Faith
Nashville Church Honors Legacy of Service
Faith Facts
- The Central Church of Christ, founded with the vision and generosity of A.M. Burton, marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration hosted at Lipscomb University.
- This congregation pioneered urban ministry, providing holistic care—medical, dental, and daily necessities—for Nashville’s neediest for decades.
- After years of legal battles over its property, the Burton family regained ownership of the historic building, highlighting faith-driven perseverance and unity.
Faith, generosity, and leadership were celebrated as former Central Church members, community guests, and Amy Grant—the great-granddaughter of A.M. Burton—gathered at Lipscomb University’s Spark campus for the congregation’s centennial.
The original church, born in 1925 through A.M. Burton’s dedication, became a living testament of Christian outreach, regularly serving Nashville’s poor and upholding biblical compassion.
“What we celebrate is the impact of a church. They were the hands and the feet and the mouthpiece of Jesus to the downtown community, to the rich and the powerful and to the poor and the down and out.”
– Scott Sager, special advisor for mission and ministry at Lipscomb University
The church experienced years of innovative service and spiritual dedication, both through its dynamic ministries and unwavering commitment to God’s Word, even as urban challenges and changing member demographics shaped its path.
“For a century, this congregation has been a living example of God’s handiwork. Men and women have been doing good works together across the city for years. We need followers of Christ who, like A.M. Burton and this congregation, are willing to be a light … and to serve with both humility and grace.”
– Candice McQueen, Lipscomb University President
The recent legal resolution allowed the Burton family and former members to reclaim their building, reminding the community of the power of faith-led action and the importance of preserving godly legacies.
“I think … his vision and all of the congregation of Central Church of Christ … all together, all of their small portion of events changed, bent history. In the total of all of our acts will be written the history of our generation. … We have to tell the story of people that have come before us.”
– Amy Grant
The Central congregation’s commitment gave practical expression to Christ’s call to serve others, reflecting the heart of Matthew 25:35—feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and welcoming those in need.
This historic occasion encourages believers to honor the legacy of faithful servants and continue their work for God’s glory, serving Nashville and beyond with hope and compassion rooted in biblical principles.