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WATERVLIET, N.Y. -- An inaugural liturgy was held on Sunday to celebrate the opening of the St. Ann Maronite Catholic community's new home.

For years, St. Ann's in Troy has been in need of a new building to accommodate their growing congregation. About 10 years ago, church officials decided to buy and begin renovations on the old Methodist Episcopal Church on 3rd Avenue in Watervliet, which has been empty since the 1970s.

"There was nothing here. No water, electric, the roof leaked like a sprinkler system, no heating system, nothing. We went from the ground up. Windows replaced, everything," said Parish Council President Joe Jabour.

St. Ann's was able to pay for the massive project through fundraisers, private donations, grants from the state and historical societies.

St. Ann's spent nearly 107 years in Troy and hope for another 107 in Watervliet.