Building Blocks: "Laying a Strong Foundation"

The 2022 Capital Campaign at Fondren Presbyterian Church

J. M. Spain, center, at groundbreaking for addition at First Baptist Church, Jackson, 1952. Photo courtesy of Beth Young.

Fondren Presbyterian Church was designed by noted Mississippi architect James Manly Spain. 

During his career from the 1930s to the 1950s, Mr. Spain designed many churches and other public buildings throughout the state of Mississippi. In addition to Fondren Presbyterian, he designed Parkway Baptist Church (Jackson), First Baptist Church of Vicksburg, the Woodland Hills Baptist Church (Fondren Presbyterian’s across-the-street neighbor), portions of First Baptist Church in Jackson, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Jackson), and many other churches.

He designed many original buildings for the Baptist Children’s Home  which is now the site of the Jackson Medical Mall and portions of the former  Baptist Hospital in Jackson. In addition, he designed many buildings for primary and secondary schools, and colleges across the state including Blue Mountain College, Mississippi College, and Hinds Community College.

This bit of knowledge helps us place the construction of the Fondren Presbyterian Church in the sweep of building and development in the time of construction. The design of the building remains thanks to Mr. Spain’s effort. There have been renovations from time to time as needed.

In 2022, 72 years after the building of the church, we need to revisit and improve our facility so that it can be a durable place for gathering and community into the middle and later years of the twenty-first century. Let us give thanks not only for Mr. Spain, but also for the leaders of the Fondren Presbyterian Church who sought him out and built this place. May the remodeling  and renovations we are currently undertaking make this facility a place of community and mission for years to come.

To learn more about the Capital Campaign and complete the pledge form click here.