ARP dollars in Action: Christian Ministries of the Apostolic Faith Church
Story by Michael Outlaw, Community Liaison, City of Erie | Photos by Monica Z. Gustin, Digital Media and Design Specialist, City of Erie
On the northwest corner of West Tenth and Liberty streets is a 333,000-square-foot building formerly known as Temple Anshe Hesed, which is Hebrew for “people of loving kindness.” The previous occupants, a Reformed Jewish congregation, moved in 2018 to a new location.
In that building at Tenth and Liberty streets, Bishop Frankie Quinn now pastors Christian Ministries of the Apostolic Faith Church.
Quinn says he embodies loving kindness for Erie residents who feel disenfranchised, carrying on the mission of his building’s previous owner.
Quinn, 59, was born and raised in Erie and has been married to his wife Tracy, for 32 years. Together they have 10 children and 20 grandchildren. Frankie Quinn says the Quinn family and their church family live a life dedicated to the Holy Bible, and they are guided by Christian principles. He studies great spiritual leaders who came before him who guide him toward a life of loving kindness.
In his early teens, Quinn studied the Rev. Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. “It inspired him to help promote people,” said Quinn, of King. “And empower people for the betterment of the community.”
In the fall of 2020, Quinn purchased what is now the home of Christian Ministries. But it required many renovations including a new natural gas line, a new roof, drywall, and paint throughout. In addition, he needed to replace stained carpet, outdated furniture and kitchen appliances.
Thanks to a 2022 American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant for $60,206 from the City of Erie, Quinn was able to complete many of the upgrades, including the church’s technological infrastructure. With the grant, he added security cameras, computers, and printers.
“Due to the collaborations and working together, the City of Erie is in a spotlight for growth and development. Erie – as a whole – has come a long way.”
Bishop Frankie Quinn
In addition to founding Christian Ministries in 2011, and New Horizons Daycare Center in 2021, Quinn also opened in 2023 the Achievers Entrepreneurial Hub (AEH), located at the church building, 930 Liberty St.
“Without the ARP grant,” said Quinn, “The renovations would have taken much longer to complete and would have delayed the launching of the AEH program.” Now that the building is renovated, Bishop Quinn’s goal is for everyone who enters to live by his motto, of “pursuing excellence until excellence is achieved.”
That pursuit is aided by the Achievers Entrepreneurial Hub, which offers entrepreneurs mentoring and training services. AEH also provides co-working office space, conference rooms, and audio recording studios.
“Due to the collaborations and working together,” said Quinn, “The City of Erie is in a spotlight for growth and development. Erie – as a whole – has come a long way.”
