By Gavin Boyle
A years-long dispute over her grandfather’s church has been settled in Amy Grant’s favor after the man who took over the congregation disbanded in-person services, breaking a stipulation from Grant’s great grandfather.
“I believe in the power of stories – and my great-grandfather A. M. Burton’s, specifically – to win hearts, change minds and inspire action. I wouldn’t be a songwriter if I didn’t,” Grant said after the court ruling.
Though Burton had humble beginnings, he became a wealthy man throughout his life, thanks to a successful insurance company which left him a millionaire many times over. Throughout his life, Burton donated over $100 million, which equates to over $1 billion today. As part of his philanthropy, Burton helped start the Central Church of Christ in 1925 but stipulated that if the church ever stopped holding services, the property would return to the ownership of his estate.
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In 2017, businessman Shawn Mathis joined the congregation and was subsequently able to push out longtime members of the church before taking over the establishment and its assets, worth roughly $30 million. He then stopped holding in-person services, though sermons continued to be posted online.
These actions were found to be in violation of Burton’s wishes, returning the property to his estate, of which Grant is one of the members. She now plans to turn the property – which is located in downtown Nashville – into a center to help the homeless. Grant has also launched the A.M. Burton Matthew 25 Fund to continue to build on the legacy left by her great grandfather.
“We start from humble beginnings, just like Burton. We will be guided by his example of service, community empowerment, and civic responsibility, with a core mission to uplift individuals and thus strengthen our city,” Grant said about the fund.
“Luckily, the causes Burton championed, and the philanthropic services Central [Church of Christ] offered to all, provide a roadmap for our efforts: from charity medical care and disaster relief to affordable housing and childcare. The community’s voice, support, and needs will determine our future,” Grant continued.
Matthew 25, the chapter the fund’s mission is based upon, teaches about using earthly goods to serve the Lord well, rather than saving them for ourselves. Furthermore, it teaches to care for the lowly as Christ is found in every person.
As Grant takes on the property, it is encouraging to see it return to good use for the kingdom of God as Burton intended, rather than being used to serve the desires of man.
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