Amy Grant Battles to Save Historic Nashville Church
Submitted by MAGA
Posted 4 hours ago
**Historic Church Faces Unraveling as Control Dispute Erupts**
A battle is brewing over the future of a historically significant church in Nashville, Tennessee, as Christian singer Amy Grant and her family take a stand to reclaim its legacy.
The Nashville Church of Christ, originally founded in 1925 by Grant's great-grandfather, A. M. Burton, has become a focal point of controversy.
Burton, a prominent civic leader and insurance company founder, ensured in the church's founding deed that the property would revert to his estate if it ceased to function as a worship site.
However, the church is now shuttered and embroiled in legal disputes, largely attributed to Shawn Mathis, who assumed control after joining the church in 2017.
Grant and her family allege that Mathis pushed out longtime members and redirected church assets, which are estimated to be valued at approximately $30 million, into a nonprofit he created.
Critics, including members of the congregation, express concerns that this shift undermines the church’s original mission.
Howell Townes, a dedicated volunteer treasurer, recounts the painful experience of being forced out after decades of service over disagreements regarding Mathis' changes.
"This is about a community legacy, and we should honor it," said Townes.
In a significant legal turn, courts have upheld the deed restrictions imposed by Burton, ensuring that the church cannot simply abandon its mission without facing consequences.
Despite the turmoil, Mathis maintains that his intentions are aligned with the church's mission and claims all actions taken are legal.
However, the community's distress is palpable, as many feel that the church's closure represents a stark break from its original purpose.
As Nashville's Central Church of Christ approached its centennial anniversary, the question remains: will it celebrate a hundred years of service or remain a mere shadow of its once-thriving self?
This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect foundational American values and traditions against challenges from within, reflecting broader national conversations on faith, community, and ownership.
Amy Grant’s fight to save the church will undoubtedly resonate with many who understand the importance of preserving their heritage and faith amidst an ever-changing landscape.
Sources:
thecentersquare.com
rumble.com
christianpost.com
A battle is brewing over the future of a historically significant church in Nashville, Tennessee, as Christian singer Amy Grant and her family take a stand to reclaim its legacy.
The Nashville Church of Christ, originally founded in 1925 by Grant's great-grandfather, A. M. Burton, has become a focal point of controversy.
Burton, a prominent civic leader and insurance company founder, ensured in the church's founding deed that the property would revert to his estate if it ceased to function as a worship site.
However, the church is now shuttered and embroiled in legal disputes, largely attributed to Shawn Mathis, who assumed control after joining the church in 2017.
Grant and her family allege that Mathis pushed out longtime members and redirected church assets, which are estimated to be valued at approximately $30 million, into a nonprofit he created.
Critics, including members of the congregation, express concerns that this shift undermines the church’s original mission.
Howell Townes, a dedicated volunteer treasurer, recounts the painful experience of being forced out after decades of service over disagreements regarding Mathis' changes.
"This is about a community legacy, and we should honor it," said Townes.
In a significant legal turn, courts have upheld the deed restrictions imposed by Burton, ensuring that the church cannot simply abandon its mission without facing consequences.
Despite the turmoil, Mathis maintains that his intentions are aligned with the church's mission and claims all actions taken are legal.
However, the community's distress is palpable, as many feel that the church's closure represents a stark break from its original purpose.
As Nashville's Central Church of Christ approached its centennial anniversary, the question remains: will it celebrate a hundred years of service or remain a mere shadow of its once-thriving self?
This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect foundational American values and traditions against challenges from within, reflecting broader national conversations on faith, community, and ownership.
Amy Grant’s fight to save the church will undoubtedly resonate with many who understand the importance of preserving their heritage and faith amidst an ever-changing landscape.
Sources:
thecentersquare.com
rumble.com
christianpost.com
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