The Sanctuary brings recreational fun to South Jackson

By Joshua Martin

JA Engagement Editor

For generations, skating rinks, arcades, movie theaters and other recreational spaces gave Jackson’s young people places where they could simply be young. Those spaces offered more than entertainment. They were gathering places. Somewhere to meet friends, listen to music, laugh, play and, for a few hours, leave the pressures of the outside world at the door. In South Jackson, New Horizon Ministries is hoping to bring some of that feeling back.

“The Sanctuary”, a new skating rink and event space located on Belvedere Drive, is the latest community investment connected to New Horizon Church and its leadership. The 120-person capacity facility is a dream come true for  Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr., executive director of New Horizon Ministries and founder of “The Sanctuary”, alongside the broader vision established by his father, Bishop Ronnie Crudup Sr., and New Horizon Church.

The facility officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month, introducing a space designed for skating, family gatherings, rehearsals, celebrations and other community activities.

But for Crudup Jr., the purpose of “The Sanctuary” extends beyond the rink floor.

“We’re trying to create an ecosystem of activities of fun for our kids in our community. We built the sanctuary to be a safe place,”  Crudup said.

 “Just know, hey, listen, I’m safe here. I’m safe here to be free. I’m safe here to dance. I’m safe here to have fun.”

Crudup said the building has already hosted choir rehearsals, retirement celebrations and other functions in addition to skating.