Instant Replay gets new life as a church
By MARV CERMAK COVERING SCHENECTADY
First published in print: Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Instant Replay, a Schenectady tavern once visited by some of the biggest names in U.S. sports history, has been converted into a church. Many major league all-time greats were guest speakers at the Mont Pleasant bar including Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Carl Yazstremski, Willie Stargell, Whitey Ford, Jim Palmer, Phil Niekro and others.
While baseballers were the main visitors, NFL super stars Phil Simms, Carl Banks, Lawrence Taylor and Otis Anderson were also on the guest list. For several years, contingents of Giants and Jets came to the place on alternate Mondays to sign autographs and schmooze with customers.
In 2004, Chet Godlewski, Instant Replay owner for 25 years, sold the place to a group of Guyanese investors. After a short run, the renamed Caribbean Splash Tavern sunk, leaving the property vacant for several years. The church name is not noted on the building exterior.
This is the second unusual location for a new Schenectady church. In recent weeks, a Broadway building in Bellevue became the new home of Hearts Ablaze Ministries.
This property, empty the last couple years, was previously used for private high-stakes poker games. Because they are churches, the two parcels will now be exempt from property taxes.
As an aside, Bellevue loses a venerable church June 27 when the final Mass will be said at Immaculate Conception, which is merging with Our Lady of Assumption in Rotterdam
Read more:
http://www.timesunion.com/AspS.....1/2010#ixzz0pdjoQzd8
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