Man sues Presbyterian Church
A LONG-STANDING dispute between a South business and the Presbyterian Church has reached the courts, and the Marabella Presbyterian Church is being petitioned to vacate a $2 million parcel of land. And while the Wilson Memorial Church on Southern Main Road faces the legal battle in a summons for ejectment filed by HV Holdings, the pastor and worshippers are going ahead with plans to celebrate the church’s 100th year anniversary next month. The church will mark 100 years of existence on October 16 on the particular site. The church was established in 1905 and the property has been valued at approximately $2 million. Acting Senior Magistrate Ramraj Harripersad began hearing an ejectment complaint filed by David Gopaul on behalf of HV Holdings of Gopaul Lands, Marabella on Monday in the San Fernando Third Magistrates’ Court. It was filed on April 23, 2004, against Vintra Imam Baksh on behalf of the incorporated trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago at Paradise Hill, San Fernando. HV Holdings’ complaint alleged that the church and its "manse" are on its premises. The manse is the residence of the pastoral preacher. The complaint alleged that there has been no pastor at the manse for several years. The court should therefore order the church to vacate the properties and give up possession to HV Holdings. Byron Gopaul, a proprietor of businesses a stone’s throw from the church in Marabella, gave evidence at the start of the trial. Senior Counsel Hendrickson Suenath is representing HV Holdings. Attorney Abdel Asraph is appearing for the church. According to the notes of evidence in the case, the church has been renting the property since the 1950s.
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"Man sues Presbyterian Church"