First Baptist Church Nashville announces major expansion project

Members of First Baptist Church downtown Nashville today voted to accept a master plan that includes the construction of a three-story building on Broadway that will house a Christian music venue and allow for an expansion of its ministries.

The plan also includes a coffee cafe, a larger fellowship hall and additional parking.

The building, which will border Bridgestone Arena, will allow for more overnight sleeping capacity for Room in the Inn, a shelter for the homeless that also offers computer classes, job training and rehabilitation. It will make room for a larger Clothing Closet, which gives clothes to people in need.
Joe Fitzpatrick, the church's worship and music pastor, declined to put a dollar figure on the project, but said the master plan will be rolled out between now and the next 25 years.
"We're hoping to accomplish as much as we can afford, as early as possible," Fitzpatrick said. "It's a matter of securing financing and working through the process."
An implementation committee will work with designers and architects and put the plan in motion, he said.
"We seek to serve as a lighthouse for those who are hurting and in need," Fitzpatrick said. "We are excited about the prospect of being a stronger voice in the community to meet the needs of people and do what churches are supposed to do."

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First Baptist Church Nashville announces major expansion project