The membership of the Centre First Baptist Church has accepted an offer from the Cherokee County Commission to purchase the downtown campus of the church at a cost of $150,000.
On Wednesday, we received a statement from Dr. Eddie Nation, Pastor of First Baptist Church.
Pastor Nation said “As many are aware, the First Baptist Church facility on Main Street in Centre has been for sale for some time. The Cherokee County Commission made an offer to purchase the First Baptist uptown facilities for a price of $150,000. This offer was presented to the deacons by the sell the church committee of the First Baptist Church. The deacons agreed with the offer, which was presented to the church on Sunday, November 8th for a vote. The church voted overwhelmingly to accept the County’s offer.”
During the next few weeks, church leaders will put teams in place to handle the transition to the First Baptist recreation outreach center (ROC). The vision for all church facilities to be located at the ROC began in the 1990’s when the ROC property was purchased under the leadership of Pastor Melvin Salter.
The Church is will be building and relocating at their new location at 300 East Bypass, where they will be able to better minister to the community of Cherokee County.
Pastor Nation said that they want to continue to be a light in the community and to the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and while they may have a new location, their vision is still the same; to reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ, to teach them to become committed followers of Christ, and to send them into the community and world to be on mission.
Cherokee County Commission Chairman/Probate Judge Tim Burgess also issued a statement to WEIS Radio News which reads;
I was very pleased to hear the outcome of the vote by the members of First Baptist Church. I would like to thank Brother Eddie Nation, the FBC staff, and the property selling committee for their enthusiastic leadership. Also, the FBC membership for their thoughtful consideration and prayers. I know they have prayed about this decision to sell their property on Main Street. I have the utmost respect for the FBC family and their faith. The positive vote affirms to me that we are making the right decision.
This decision will enable the FBC church family to realize their vision of moving and growing their ministry at the ROC property. It also benefits our community because we can construct a courthouse on Main Street. I am very appreciative of the Commissioners for having such a vision for the County.
I also hope that this will be an important step to further improve the downtown area. I look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council of Centre to do some things to help our downtown merchants prosper and continue to create an area to be proud of for present and future generations.
The county has not released any official plans pertaining to what they plan to do with the property.