Southern Baptists of Texas break ground

DALLAS — Five years after pulling away from the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention broke ground July 11 on a $3 million headquarters building. The group, which has reportedly grown from 120 churches to 1,300 churches since its split with the Texas convention in 1998, hopes to move to its 30,000-square-foot headquarters in April. The convention’s 25 full-time employees now occupy leased space in Las Colinas.

“We’re projecting that this will handle our needs for at least 10 years into the future,” said Gary Ledbetter, the convention’s communications director. The group began scouting for land last year, according to Ledbetter, and the four-acre tract, located near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, was chosen because of its central location and close proximity to transportation. The facility also will offer conference and meeting space.