Glory to God, the familiarly-close auto repair shop, used to stand proudly on the corner of Fayette Street leading to campus. Now, the garage has relocated a block down the road.
Ed Sponseller, an employee, explained that the location change was initiated to make way for Walgreens, scheduled to open on the corner in 2007.
Since the transition took place over Christmas break, many students came back to campus and were surprised to see the vacant lot.
“There are quite a few college students we haven’t seen yet this semester,” Sponseller said.
The new location, previously the home of Jackson Truck Parts, is an improvement from the more visible, older garage. The original Glory to God often proved difficult for many customers to reach because of its station directly off M-99.
“Some people have come that wouldn’t go there because it was so hard to get in,” Sponseller said.
The new location is larger and has a pleasant interior including a clean, well-lit tire show room. There is a television and coffee ready for those waiting for their vehicles.
“Also, it now has wireless internet,” Robert Shewman, vice president of the corporation, said. “If college kids want to come and hang out, they can bring computers, search the Web, research.”
In addition to all this, Glory to God now has a friendly tabby cat in need of a name. A competition will be held to choose a name for it. The provider of the winning name will receive an oil change on the house.
Glory to God’s new location is 146 Lewis St.