Miami Church on the Brink of Foreclosure: Congregants Demand Answers
A Community in Distress
MIAMI – In a shocking turn of events, New Providence Missionary Baptist Church is teetering on the edge of foreclosure, leaving its devoted congregation in a state of disbelief. The church, a cherished cornerstone in Liberty City, is facing a June 2 deadline to resolve its financial woes, prompting desperate inquiries from parishioners about the management of their contributions.
Unraveling the Mystery of Missing Funds
For years, members of the congregation have invested their hearts—and their donations—into the church. So when news broke of potential foreclosure, the voices of the faithful grew louder, echoing a singular, haunting question: “Where is our money?”
Located at 760 NW 53rd St., this historic church has not only served as a place of worship but as a hub for community support and spiritual growth. However, the recent revelation that the pastor, Steven Caldwell, has been liquidating church assets has left many members in shock.
The Framework of Financial Disarray
Local 10 News uncovered that Pastor Caldwell has been selling off church-owned properties, but details about these transactions remain shrouded in mystery. After multiple attempts to reach him, Caldwell finally made contact through a church member’s phone but declined to offer any substantive comments, citing legal advice.
“I am not (available) at the moment,” Caldwell told reporter Glenna Milberg. This evasive response only deepened the congregation’s concerns about the church’s financial transparency.
Questions from Within the Congregation
Longtime congregants are raising legitimate concerns. Youth pastor Henry Faison succinctly voiced the dilemma faced by many: “You’re asking for money, but the bills aren’t being paid. Where is the money going?”
This unsettling question hangs heavy in the air, especially among members who were blindsided by the church’s financial decisions. Jessie Pierre-Charles, another devoted member, lamented over the sale of church properties without any prior notification, stating, “We owned that lot that they are building on now. We didn’t even know that was sold.”
A Disturbing Pattern of Sales
Records reviewed by Local 10 News reveal that all five properties owned by the church on its block have been sold in the past three years—most to developers and real estate professionals. Alarmingly, all but one of these sales appears to have benefitted a realtor tied to the church’s name.
Despite these alarming disclosures, the church treasurer, Michael MacGregor, shrugged off inquiries regarding the financial state of the church, saying he had “no comment” when faced with his documented role as custodian of the church’s finances.
The Personal Financial Quagmires of Leadership
Further complicating the church’s situation is Caldwell’s own financial history, which includes evictions and credit card defaults. He holds a controlling role over the church’s finances, leading to speculation about potential mismanagement of funds. The church’s bylaws granted him significant power, allowing him to sell properties without informing congregants.
Facing Potential Legal Consequences
While Caldwell has postponed foreclosure proceedings to seek the necessary funds, the shadow of police investigation looms over him. Following a complaint from a church member, Miami police are now reviewing the financial activities associated with the church under scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Community on Edge
As the countdown to June 2 continues, New Providence Missionary Baptist Church finds itself at a critical crossroads. Congregants eagerly await answers from their leadership and the assurance that their faith and contributions have not been mismanaged. As these developments unfold, the questions remain: Can the church find a financial savior, or will its legacy be lost to foreclosure?
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within community organizations. For now, all eyes remain on the church and its pastor as they face the daunting task of addressing the discontent of a bewildered and hopeful congregation.
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