Statements
Mission
Preserve Lindsley Avenue Now (PLAN) is a 501 (c )(3) organization dedicated to the historic preservation of Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ which is listed on the National Historic Registry.
Background
PLAN was formed in 2015 as a separate nonprofit whose sole purpose is to restore the historic Lindsley Avenue church building. Built in 1894 as Grace Presbyterian Church, the building has always been a beacon of hope for the South Nashville community. We wish to continue the work of restoration to keep the church building available in their mission of helping 'the least of these,' including the homeless and children in poverty. To accomplish our goal of showing the love of Christ to all, we seek financial partners for the restoration of our beautiful building.
Impact
Restoration of the historic Lindsley Avenue Church projects completed to date: Exterior--The exterior walls have been completely tuck pointed and cleaned, including the terracotta and decorative elements. The tuck pointing, cleaning, and repair or replacement of every brick and stone took five years. The building is now sealed from rain which previously leaked into the interior drywall, causing unsightly peeling and damage. Interior--new high-quality laminate flooring and cabinets installed in the kitchen, classrooms and fellowship room. The kitchen was relocated nearer to the fellowship room and new appliances were installed. The original brickwork in the classrooms was uncovered, revealing its beauty. Currently the restoration of the stained-glass windows which attribute to water damage from the many small cracks and holes in the windows.
PLAN's work allows the congregation to realize it's ultimate goal to devote its financial resources to the work of helping 'the least of these'. On Sunday mornings at Lindsley Avenue the congregation provides breakfast, a bag lunch, bus passes and clean clothing. Other assistance is provided on a case by case basis. The church also hosts community programs, such as MDHA's Financial Home Buying Graduation, Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center's graduation and other events for the children. PLAN held An Art Review on Rutledge Hill for Davidson County, Tennessee middle school and high school students focused on art in the form of stained-glass judged by local artists, Phil Ponder, Aaron Grayum and Madalyn Strickland. This program brought students into the building to see and sketch the stained-glass windows. Over 100 submissions were on display for the show.
Needs
PLAN needs $1.5 million for the cleaning and repair of the church's historic stained-glass windows, which date from 1885 to 1894 and has a designated campaign for this work. Longer-term, the building's lack of restrooms (only two 'one-person-at-a-time' exist now) and classroom space must be addressed.
CEO Statement
Please see the statement from the Board Chair. PLAN has no paid staff members. The trustees are a 'working' board who serve voluntarily in performing executive, administrative and fund-raising functions.
Board Chair Statement
Our building serves as the meeting place for the Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ. This congregation began meeting in a private home in South Nashville 164 years ago. David Lipscomb was one of our first elders. Our beautiful National Historic Register building is one-of-a-kind, and a survivor of the interstate development of the 1960's. Many other historic buildings in our neighborhood have been lost. With the rapid residential renewal of nearby Rolling Mill Hill, and South Nashville in general, and the planned revitalization of the Napier Homes, our church serves as a conspicuous and centrally-located landmark connecting the glory of the past to the exciting future of our community.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Religion- Related - Single Organization Support |
| Secondary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
The Lindsley Avenue church building is located on the corner of Lindsley Avenue and Second Avenue South, near downtown Nashville. It faces the Howard School municipal complex. The general neighborhood served is South Nashville. Specific sub-neighborhoods include Rutledge Hill, Rolling Mill Hill, Chestnut Hill, and the Napier and Sudekum housing complexes.
| TN - Davidson |
