News Summary
Summer Grove Baptist Church, a historic congregation in Shreveport, is preparing for a crucial decision regarding its future during a vote on August 24. With over 175 years of history, the church has faced rising maintenance costs and infrastructure challenges in its current location, prompting discussions on whether to remodel, remain, or relocate. The vote coincides with the church’s upcoming 175th anniversary celebrations, highlighting its ongoing commitment to the community and the significant implications of the congregation’s decision.
Shreveport – Summer Grove Baptist Church, a historic congregation in Shreveport, is set to make a critical decision about its future and location during a vote scheduled for August 24. With over 175 years of existence, the church has been housed in the former South Park Mall for the past 21 years, a property that is now showing signs of age and disrepair.
The church’s current facility, more than 50 years old, suffers from escalating maintenance and insurance costs that have raised concerns among its members regarding the viability of remaining at the site. The church, which sits on an 82-acre plot of land acquired in 2004, comprises approximately 851,200 square feet; however, the congregation uses only a fraction of this space.
Interim Senior Pastor Tim Purvis has presented three options for consideration during the upcoming vote: remodel the existing church building and stay, remain at the property while awaiting new leadership, or opt to sell the site and relocate elsewhere. This decision comes as the church grapples with issues related to its infrastructure and mounting maintenance concerns.
Summer Grove Baptist Church is approaching this decision as it prepares to celebrate a significant milestone—their 175th anniversary—this November. As part of the celebrations, the church has planned a series of events, including life groups, a worship service, and a Thanksgiving meal on November 24. The celebrations will continue with a full slate of Christmas activities in December, showcasing the church’s commitment to its community.
On average, Summer Grove Baptist Church attracts about 1,585 attendees for its Sunday morning worship services, illustrating its strong presence and involvement in the Shreveport community. Since its establishment in 1849, the church has been led by 21 pastors and recently completed a major financial milestone by paying off a $12 million mortgage in 2023.
In addition to its worship services, Summer Grove Baptist Church contributes to the community through various support initiatives, providing food and clothing for needy families and engaging in multiple mission efforts in the region. Despite discussions about its future, church operations remain active, which includes a charter school that lies within its offerings.
Current conditions at the property indicate significant wear and tear, including visible rusting rebar on exterior columns and other maintenance issues. These circumstances have prompted the church leadership to seek potential solutions, including interest from prospective tenants looking to lease available retail spaces. However, as of now, no lease agreements have been finalized.
The upcoming vote marks a pivotal moment for Summer Grove Baptist Church as it seeks to navigate its future amidst challenges related to its property. The congregation’s decision will ultimately affect its operations and ability to serve the community effectively, reflecting the ongoing evolution of one of Shreveport’s oldest churches.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KTBS
- Baptist Message
- KTAL News
- KTBS Business News
- Wikipedia: Summer Grove Baptist Church
- Google Search: Summer Grove Baptist Church
- Google Scholar: Summer Grove Baptist Church
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Summer Grove Baptist Church
- Google News: Summer Grove Baptist Church
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
