Southaven aldermen condemn historic church site; tables decision on former Checkers

Photo: Highway Baptist Church site on Highway 51 in Southaven. Aldermen voted to condemn the property, ending a 10 year struggle with what city officials call a “dangerous” and “blighted” property. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

SOUTHAVEN, MS – The Southaven City Board moved forward with the condemnation of the former Highway Baptist Church site on Tuesday night, marking the end of a decade-long struggle over a property officials described as a “dangerous” and “blighted” eyesore.

The meeting grew emotional as Cynthia Thompson St. John, a long-time member of the church, pleaded with the board for more time. She spoke of the site’s historical significance, including 27 interior murals, and expressed her faith that funds would eventually arrive to restore the structures.

“I have been left with the burden and the zeal… to make sure things were taken care of,” St. John said. “I believe that God will make a way.”

However, city officials painted a much bleaker picture. Mayor Darren Musselwhite emphasized that the city has been “deliberate and purposeful” for over ten years, attempting to work with the property owners to address mounting code violations.

“The church is bigger than a building,” Musselwhite said. “A building full of black mold and rotten wood is dangerous for a congregation to go into. We are out of time.”

Fire and building officials testified that the site—which includes a gymnasium, classroom area, and sanctuary—is in a state of collapse. Chief Building Official James Gentry noted that 50 percent of the school building’s roof has already caved in, and structural rafters in the sanctuary are rotting.

The board also addressed a second property, a former Checkers restaurant at 938 Main Street. Unlike the church site, the board voted to table that decision until Jan. 6. A representative for Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. appeared at the meeting, stating that an unauthorized franchisee closure led to the building’s current state. The corporation expressed a willingness to repair the building to fulfill its lease obligations to the property owner, a California-based trust.

The city’s building and fire departments will conduct an interior inspection of the former restaurant before the next meeting to determine if remediation is possible.

Key Points

• Highway Baptist Church Condemned: The city board officially approved condemnation procedures for 7515 Highway 51, citing structural collapse, black mold, and a 10-year history of failed compliance.
• Safety Over History: Despite emotional testimony regarding the church’s 50-year history and religious significance, the Mayor stated the city must uphold safety laws to prevent the property from further impacting surrounding economic values.
• Checkers Decision Tabled: Action on the former Checkers location was delayed until January 6 to allow corporate representatives to coordinate an interior inspection and potential repair plan with city officials.