In a compelling legal saga that intertwines faith, family legacy, and community heritage, Grammy-winning singer Amy Grant is fighting to preserve a piece of her family’s history: the Nashville Church of Christ. Founded in 1925 by her great-grandfather, Andrew Mizell “A.M.” Burton, this church has been a cornerstone of the Nashville community, but now faces an uncertain future.
Amy Grant, known for her heartfelt Christian music and dedication to faith, is stepping into a role that extends beyond her music career. “This is all about the legacy of A.M. Burton,” she stated in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. “The family has to get involved because otherwise that property is at a standstill. And that doesn’t make any sense.”
The Nashville Church of Christ, previously known as Central Church of Christ, is located at 145 Rep. John Lewis Way. It once flourished with hundreds of members and was a vibrant place of worship. However, in recent years, the church has fallen into disrepair, now resembling a boarded-up relic of its former glory. According to reports, the church is currently under the control of Shawn Mathis, a businessman who has been accused of pushing out longtime members and taking over church assets valued at around $30 million.
A.M. Burton was not just a church founder; he was a prominent civic leader and philanthropist who dedicated much of his wealth to Christian causes before his passing in 1966. His will included specific instructions regarding the church property, stating that if it ceased to function as a place of worship, it would revert back to his estate. This stipulation has become a focal point in the ongoing legal battle, with Grant and her family seeking to uphold their ancestor’s wishes.
The church’s financial history adds another layer to this story. During its peak in the 2010s, the church generated approximately $40,000 a month from two parking lots it owns near Nashville’s bustling South Broadway area. The church building itself is valued at about $6.7 million. However, under Mathis’s leadership, the church has accumulated over $500,000 in unpaid taxes and has been reclassified as commercial property.
In 2018, Mathis created a new nonprofit organization, Nashville Church of Christ, and claimed that the church board voted to transfer control of church assets to this entity. This move has been met with significant resistance from Burton’s descendants, who argue that the church was already properly established and that the transition was unnecessary. Howell Townes, a long-time volunteer treasurer of the church, resigned in protest, stating, “I never thought I’d never set foot in this building again, but that was the case.”
The legal disputes have not only involved the Burton family but also the Tennessee Attorney General, who has accused the church of mishandling funds. The attorney general’s office is investigating claims that the church improperly mixed missionary funds with other financial resources. In a recent court ruling, the courts upheld the enforceability of the deed restrictions set by A.M. Burton, affirming the family’s rights over the property.
As this case unfolds, it raises significant questions about the intersection of faith, property rights, and community legacy. Grant’s spokesperson recently remarked, “This year, downtown Nashville’s Central Church of Christ should be celebrating a 100-year anniversary of serving the community. Instead, it stands as a shuttered eyesore serving outsiders who preyed on a vulnerable congregation to gain control of the property.”
The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine the fate of the Nashville Church of Christ but also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving sacred spaces and honoring the legacies of those who built them. As the community watches closely, one can only hope that the spirit of A.M. Burton will guide the resolution of this deeply personal and public conflict.
For more insights into the intersection of faith and community, visit the Christian Post and stay updated on the latest developments in this ongoing story.