This controversy centers around a request from a church group to put a modular building on a vacant lot prior to constructing a sanctuary onsite. The issue was addressed at a packed house meeting of the Upson County Planning Commission. Both those for and against the issue were in attendance.
The House of Prayer Baptist Church petitioned the commission for a special exception to allow them to place a modular building on the property prior to building a permanent worship facility. The commission also received a petition signed by residents in the neighborhood stating they were against the building being placed on the property for fear it would cause “an eyesore in the subdivision.”
The Thomaston Times tells MHProNews that during the public hearing on the matter, the planning commission heard from Glenn Peterson, pastor for the House of Prayer Baptist Church. He explained that the church’s goal was to build a permanent structure on the property in the next three to five years. In the meantime, however, the church needed a place to meet until their membership increased. Currently, there are approximately 45 people in the congregation. Pastor Peterson stated he believed if the church could grow to 80 members, they would be able to raise the funding to build a church large enough to hold 200 members.
“I’ve done this before, and I’m not talking without experience,” he said, telling how he had helped the Northside Baptist Church build a new $1.3 million facility within four years. “I’m confident that within the next three to five years we can have a structure on the property. That is our goal and our vision,” he explained. “Proverbs 29 says ‘without a vision, the people will perish.’ We’ve got a vision, but we just need you to allow us to do that, and that is what we are asking for.”
The congregation’s plans until that could happen are to purchase the property and place a modular building on it to serve as the church meeting hall. Peterson stated they would enhance the exterior of the 1,900 square foot metal building by adding vinyl siding, a foyer to the front and a steeple so that it would look like a church. However, when asked if he had any pictures depicting the changes or architectural plans for the future structure, he said he did not.
Commissioner Mike Raines stated that he felt the building was still a “trailer,” no matter what was added to the exterior. Pastor Peterson noted that the building was a commercial building and not set up like a “mobile” home.
Planning Commission Chairman Freddie Harp asked those in the meeting who had signed the petition to clarify if they were against the church facing Laramie Drive or if they were against it all together. Speaking on behalf of the neighborhood, one woman stated that the group did not approve of a church being in their residential area. Another resident added that they are against the modular building because “there is no guarantee that in five years there will be a beautiful church building built on the property.”
After taking all the comments into consideration, the commission voted to deny the special exception to place a modular building on the property. “At the end of the day, the hindrance is that it is a modular building being set up in a neighborhood that has been established in Upson County for 60-75 years. That’s the problem,” Planning Commission member Andrew Pippin explained. ##
(Photo Credit: Thomaston Times)
Article Submitted by Sandra Lane to – Daily Business News- MHProNews.
