SMYRNA, Georgia — Congrats, taxpayers. You own a church.
The city of Smyrna has closed on its $15.8 million deal to buy the nine-acre Smyrna First Baptist Church property in the heart of the city. The church plans to develop a new campus on a nearby 5.5-acre site on Atlanta Road.
Under a sale-leaseback agreement, Smyrna First Baptist Church will continue ministering in its existing space for two years as construction begins at its new location. The city plans a “Downtown the Downtown” campaign to revitalize the site.
“True to its name, Smyrna First Baptist has always existed to put Smyrna first,” Jeff Pennington, the church’s Senior Pastor, said in a release.
“Our church is unapologetically biblical, and as such, it is our deep desire, our calling really, to lead every person who calls Smyrna home into a loving, thriving relationship with Jesus,” Pennington added. “This decision to move and relocate our campus is not only consistent with our calling, but it was birthed directly from it. We love our Savior and we also love our city. This move brings both of these loves together.”
Smyrna First Baptist Church was founded 138 years ago and currently occupies a 100-year-old stone building at the corner of Church Street and King Street on the city square in downtown Smyrna. The city has vowed to maintain the 1924-era stone building for public use and will also redevelop the former site of the Presbyterian Church, which the city already owned.
