HELP SAVE SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTY

Regaining Ownership of Church Property

Dear community again,

Second Baptist Church, was historically had an African American congregation.

After becoming Pastor in 2006, Dr. Wallace K. Shepherd,Jr. by his leadership, adopted a much needed diverse congregation on behalf of the community. The congregation grew quickly, moving the Pastor to assist in licensing ministers of various nationalities

His vision of establishing a six-unit housing building for senior citizens in the church parking lot, became a reality, and at present, is near completion, save for unforeseen circumstances

His vision was twofold; to help with a tremendous crisis for the need of added senior citizen housing which lacks greatly in Santa Barbara; also allowing the church to come self-sustaining, able to serve the community in other needful ways. This has been the hallmark of the church’s legacy

In 2012 arrangements were made to the housing authority in Santa Barbara, for the approval of low income residents to be housed, in the new residence, which is now near completion.  Four days later bought eight RV, which met, living homeless. Living for year in the RV, was quite educational during this critical time in my life. The community lifestyle many homeless and of this able people live taught me, these people needed love.

In the same year, the writer of this article, arrived in Santa Barbara, CA., after living in Portland Oregon.  Four days later bought a R.V., which meant living homeless.  Living for a year in the RV, was quite educational during this critical time in my life. The community lifestyle many homeless and disabled people lived, taught me, these people needed love

A year later I begin fellow shipping at the church which I'm writing about, Second Baptist church “Gods Open Door”. Soon afterwards, Dr. Shepherd referred me to Garden Court Apartments in Santa Barbara, when his father was living at the time. Being a Vietnam veteran with a VA voucher, I was excepted, sold the RV, and have resided there for the past three years.

Under Dr. Shepherd's leadership, I've witnessed hundreds of homeless and disabled citizens, being cared for and encouraged.  Quite a few I was acquainted with, while homeless myself.  Many came into the church looking for hope they had lost.  They came with little to give, yet receiving much in return. Many came with broken hearts, leaving with their hearts mended. Many came in homeless, yet departing with a house to live in, like myself.  Addicts coming in looking for treatment, finding the love and help in time of need, departing with the hope of becoming a contributor to the community, instead of a taker of whatever was available, any way possible.

Things were going well with the church until the contractor hired to build a senior citizen residence, submitted fraudulent bills to the financial institution that was handling the financing for the church. This resulted in a significant loss of church funds. The church was forced to allow investors to purchase the property in 2015.  Althorough investigation was made the Santa Barbara District Attorney, and criminal charges for filed against the contractor. Many long time members lost faith, or found other ways to occupy their time. Those remaining of believing and trusting that God, will see us through.

The new owners agreed that the church would have the first right to re-purchase the property at a fair cost. It was also agreed that the church would continue service until September 2016.  However church is now being told they have to buy back the church at a very inflated cost. With the lien filed by the contractor, the church is presently unable to financially operate, in the hope of regaining rights to the property. It appears, that there is a planned effort by the group of investors, who are in accord to eliminate this historical church, that has served the community for almost 106 years, and replace the property with whatever they desire.

Bill Gibson

We need your help to keep our church doors open, and to complete our senior residence.  Your contribution of any amount will be most appreciated, but you can also assist by letting others know of the Church’s situation.  
Community Achievement Enterprise, 501c3, is the community serving component of Second Baptist Church

Donations can be made to Community Achievement Enterprise/Second Baptist Church, 1032 E. Mason St., Santa Barbara, CA 93013. 
On line donations: www.gofundme.com/buildthemanor
Church website: http://www.idealimagesdesign.com/SecondBaptistChurch/Our_Church.html




Groundbreaking for new senior residence, Oct 2014

Senior residence under construction