Committee approves transfer of Second Baptist Church funds and deed to nonprofit, recommends Council review

On June 26, 2026, Jeff Thomas and Joy Lapp of the Historic Preservation Commission presented a proposal to transfer funds designated for Second Baptist Church to a newly established nonprofit and to deed the property to that nonprofit so it can pursue basement renovation and construction projects. City Administrator Joe Taylor recommended approval, and the Personnel & Finance Committees approved the transfer and recommended that the City Council consider the matter at a future meeting.

The presentation explained that transferring the funds and ownership to a nonprofit would allow renovation and construction activities that the city considers not feasible while the property remains city-owned. The transcript does not specify the dollar amount of the funds, the nonprofit’s name, proposed renovation scope, or timelines for transfer or work.

The committee’s approval was a recommendation to the City Council; the transcript records the committee’s approval and recommendation but does not record a mover, seconder or a formal vote tally. Further details, including the nonprofit’s governing documents, funding amounts, deed conditions and construction plans, were not included in the meeting record and will need to be examined by the City Council when the matter is scheduled for its agenda.

The committee recorded its recommendation to forward the transfer and deed request to the City Council for formal consideration.