Some Mount Gilead members believe you can’t separate the history from the mold, but there are ways to keep the spirit of their church alive without condemning the building further. Merging with Paradox Church could be that way.
Mount Gilead Baptist Church has a problem.
Within its 100-year-old walls, history and religion thrive — but not the construction or congregation.
Only 35 people make up the historic black church’s membership, and they attend services in a mold-infested, crumbling building on the eastern edge of downtown.
Some people believe you can’t separate the history from the mold, but there are ways to keep the spirit of the place alive without condemning the building further. Merging with or selling to The Paradox Church could be that way.
Paradox doesn’t have a permanent home for its growing membership, and its leaders seem willing to keep intact Mount Gilead’s history.
A Mount Gilead deacon told Star-Telegram reporter Mitch Mitchell the church didn’t have the means to do the repairs itself.
Paradox Church most likely will.
That could be the best route to bring the historic building into the modern era while retaining the past.
It also presents an opportunity. Millennials make up most of Paradox’s congregation, and they could keep the history alive.
Having Paradox involved in Mount Gilead’s future could refresh the church and secure it for future generations.
Mount Gilead Baptist Church might have a future Paradox