Jim Flint, a Seattle contractor and house renovator, always wanted a big space to tackle, a church building in particular.

After one of his annual trips to the East Coast to visit friends in Salem, he left with a real estate booklet.

"I was here for the Mother's Day storm of 2006 and I brought back the booklet and I opened right to it on the last page," recalled Flint. "I called my friend to ask, 'Where is Lanesville?' He said 'Gloucester.' I said, 'Where's Gloucester?'"

When Flint came back to see the Gloucester property, he was sold on it.

"When I walked in, I had a strong sensation that this is what I'm looking for," said Flint. "I didn't know a soul in Lanesville and I didn't know there was going to be the added benefit of the community. After three years here I have more friends and contracts than 14 years in Seattle."

Residents will have an opportunity to see Flint's home as part of a tour Saturday during the third annual "Homes for the Holidays," a program of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Businesswomen's Division.

Flint, who bought the former Catholic church in September 2006, has worked on it for the past three years. The church went on the market after it was closed because of a major re-configuration of the local parishes.

The house is about 97 percent complete.

"I never lived in a small community before and I enjoy being part of a small community," said Flint, who is president of the Lanesville Community Center. "I bought a church and gained entry into a great neighborhood."

Ruth Pino, founder and chairwoman of the house tour committee, said this year the tour will focus on Annisquam and branched out to Lanesville. The earlier tours were in East Gloucester and Magnolia.

Homes in the Annisquam and Rowley Shore area of Gloucester will be open to the public on Saturday for a self-guided tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of these homes will be professionally decorated for the holidays.

The home tour will benefit the Carolyn O'Connor Scholarship, named for the first chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce Businesswomen's Division. The scholarship benefits a woman who is changing careers or returning to the work force who is in need of further education.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour. Actual tickets and a map showing the location of the homes can be picked up Saturday at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 33 Commercial St,, Gloucester, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contact the chamber office at 978-283-1601 to order advance tickets.

Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x3445 or gmcarthy@gloucestertimes.com.