SCENIC, S.D. (AP) -- The ghost town of Scenic, S.D., has been
purchased for less than $800,000 by a Filipino church, which isn't
divulging its plans for the property.

The Iglesia ni Cristo, which means Church of Christ, was founded
in 1914 by a former minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who experienced what he claimed to be a call similar to those of ancient prophets.

Iglesia ni Cristo rejects the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and believes Jesus Christ is one of several prophets. The church is focused on the end times and considers the Catholic Church apostate.

So far, there has been no church activity in Scenic to hint at what's to come -- no construction permits sought or development plans presented to the county. The lack of information surrounding the sale has some neighbors uneasy and rumors are circulating among the scattering of nearby residents.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)