I've read and heard a lot of opinions about First Presbyterian Church razing the Medical Arts Building.
I can understand how making the decision to do so is conflicting to all parties. First Presbyterian Church outright owns that property and the building on it.
First Pres was started in 1840 after two missionaries returned from Oklahoma, after accompanying the Eastern Branch of the Cherokee Nation, banished from their homes, businesses and farms, to be sent on the Trail of Tears march. That removal, as well as the Brainerd Mission, has its own story, and I bring it up merely as a timeline.
I was a member of Boy Scout Troop 2, sponsored by First Pres. Bob Venable was my Scout Master and helped me become the youngest Eagle Scout in America. Dr. James Fowle was a counselor for several of my merit badges. Rocky Young put me in a headlock several times to check my progress. The headlock was all in fun, but his way of helping me stay on track.
Ben and Charlyne Haden were my neighbors in Shepherd Hills. Although I didn't attend services at First Pres, Ben was always someone I could go talk with, so I have really felt a connection to that church.
Todd Morgan, the head of Preserve Chattanooga, bought my home, built in 1909 on North Crest Road, and he resides there today. I sold it to him because of a compelling letter he wrote me, assuring me he would preserve the home, and that was important to me.
I don't understand why the first three or four floor's front facia cannot be saved and incorporated into the new building First Pres is planning to build. The architectural crown could be preserved and incorporated into the top of the new structure, preserving the work of famous architect Reuben H. Hunt. Of all of the opinion letters, and replies that have been written, I can't recall even one being written from anyone in authority at First Pres. For Heavens sake, they're the oldest church in Chattanooga and I think that to not make a public answer to preservation is not a good look. It's led to "just because you can doesn't mean you should."
J. Pat Williams