Tommy Strickland had long wanted the ministry of Southwood Presbyterian Church to be able to stay open.
When he served as music/education pastor of nearby Hepzibah Baptist Church, Talladega, he tried to help the small neighboring congregation with some things that could get them going again.
That effort — and that of others who tried over the years — never really took root.
But that didn’t mean that Strickland’s vision for continued ministry at the small white church wouldn’t come to fruition.
When the building went up for sale several months ago, it intersected with another desire that he and his wife, Melba, had — to own a home of their own.
“We’ve always lived in a church-owned house or rented a house, and retirement is nearing,” said Strickland, who now serves as pastor of Ridgeview Baptist Church, Talladega, located about three blocks behind the old Southwood building.
Countless ways
So when the couple saw the “for sale” sign go up in the Southwood churchyard, they started to envision another way for it to be used in ministry. They saw neighbors gathered around the table in their home, being introduced to Jesus over a meal. They saw small groups meeting there. And they thought God might have countless other ways to use the building if it became their home — the Southwood Chouse, as they call it.
So they made an offer. And after a few months of ironing out the details, the property was theirs, and Southwood’s congregation was happy that it was going to continue to be a place of ministry, Strickland said.
“Part of our passion for having it, we feel like God put us in this building,” he said. “Since He gave us this place, we will use it as a ministry tool for family and friends.”
In recent weeks, with the help of family, friends and fellow church members, they’ve carefully preserved elements of the church’s structure and history. They’ve sent pieces of it to be used in other area churches, like the pulpit and the offering plates. They’ve reworked the inside of the building to become a home. And they’ve dedicated the space for God’s purposes.
“People in the community have been very supportive,” Strickland said. “We were afraid people would think we were being disrespectful, but even long-term members of the (Southwood) church are saying they’re glad it’s being used for something good.”
The work is coming along well — the couple moved into part of the “chouse” Jan. 3 while they continue to do renovations on the rest. They will still have a lot to do, both inside and outside. For one, the property comes with a softball field, pavilion and basketball court, and Strickland hasn’t decided what to do with those yet.
But he isn’t worried. All in all, he said he can see God’s hand in the plans, and in a way, the whole thing seems fitting.
‘A God thing’
“I grew up next to the church as a preacher’s kid, and I’ve worked in a church all my life,” Strickland said. “I’ve always said I basically lived at church.”
And now he will.
“It’s definitely a God thing,” he said.
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