A church in Oak Cliff has been repurposed into a space that hosts community arts events. Many have high hopes for the new plans.
The Rev. James Whitaker of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church says selling the church was a necessary but difficult decision.The church on Morrell Avenue looks like a lighthouse. And it’s been a beacon in this east Oak Cliff neighborhood since 1941.
The church at 919 Morrell Ave. has been purchased by Proxy Properties and is being renovated into a space for businesses and community arts events.bought the building. It’s been throwing community events like an art walk Salazar participated in on a recent Saturday. Around 50 area artists showed off paintings and other works and gave visitors an opportunity to work on craft projects.
Many neighbors are excited about the change. Lester Houston is president of the Zoo Creek Park Neighborhood Association. The Rev. James Whitaker leads the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, which bought the building in 1966. Whitaker joined the church in 1991 and became pastor in 1993. At its height, the church had upward of 600 members. Today the congregation has dwindled to 10, said Whitaker. Most of them are elderly.
“I said to the church, I don’t want to sell, I’d prefer to see us stay here as long as we can,” Whitaker said. “But we knew if we stayed there and didn’t get some money for that roof, we might have to lock up all the doors.”
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