The Gospel Chapel is on the move.

Currently housed in a large portion of the former indoor farmers market on Main Street, The Gospel Chapel is moving to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Home Association, 1769 Newport Ave.

The Gospel Chapel has purchased the red and white brick building, known to most as St. Nick's, a social club that hosted banquets and weekend polka dances.

"We are happy to stay in the borough," the Rev. Ken Reingard, pastor of the 150-member congregation told The Press Monday. Reingard said the church was looking to move and purchase a place of its own, and St. Nick's was on the market for sale.

While on Main Street, The Gospel Chapel has expanded its facility within the building's confines.

"We will be moving in there [St. Nick's] in August. Our first service will be Sunday, Sept. 1," Reingard said.

Renovations and work needed at the well-kept club is minimal, according to Reingard. While the bar will be removed, the kitchen will be retained. Along with some minor changes to the exterior, such as the new designation for The Gospel Chapel, Reingard said the parking lot will be striped for vehicles.

"We wanted to own our own place," Reingard said. The congregation wanted to move away from the commercial area uptown to a more fitting place for the community.

At its present site, The Gospel Chapel shares space with a pet store on the rear lower level and a taco restaurant that fronts Main Street. It is located directly next to Assante's, a well-established Italian restaurant.

The Gospel Chapel has come far since moving into the borough.

It has held a live Christmas pageant with church members as the cast and animals at Canal Park, with horse and buggy rides, services on the Lehigh River at the Tri-Boro Sporstsmen Club and programs and activities at the municipal park.