A dispute has erupted in Auxvasse over the sale of the old Second Missionary Baptist Church at 109 1st St. in Auxvasse.
On Sept. 8 the historically black church was purchased by Toby and Michelle Hanson of Auxvasse. Hanson, who is white, is pastor of the New Testament Christian Church of Auxvasse.
Hanson said he purchased the church for $3,000 from Doris Brooks of Auxvasse, who said she is the only living member of the church and had the authority to sell the church. Hanson said the sale was handled by Boyd & Boyd of Fulton and the deed is recorded at the Callaway County Recorder's office.
But Carolyn Lewis of Mexico disputes Brooks' claim that she has the authority to sell the church. Lewis said her mother, father, and grandparents grew up in Auxvasse and she is acting on behalf of them and other members of the Second Missionary Baptist Church.