Commission votes to deny First Baptist Church demolition permit for building

First Baptist Church building

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – First Baptist Church is looking to make a change in downtown Jacksonville and planning to tear down one of its oldest buildings.

But on Wednesday, the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny the church a permit to demolish the building on Church Street, according to News4Jax’s news partner the Jacksonville Daily Record.

Recommended Videos



The church has 14 days to appeal the denial.

First Baptist Senior Pastor Heath Lambert has said the church would take legal action to challenge local landmark status if it is approved by City Council.

The commission plans to meet in March to decide if it will recommend to the Council that the building be deemed a local landmark.


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.