Episode Details

They bought 15 acres when it was basically a cotton field and a two-lane road, then trusted God with the rest. That single decision helped shape what would become DeSoto Hills Baptist Church in South Haven, Mississippi and it’s the starting point for a candid, personal 20-year anniversary conversation we think every church family can learn from. 

We’re joined by Paul Wardlaw, one of our founding members and the chairman of the construction team during the original build. Paul walks us through the Carriage Hills roots, the moment leadership began asking whether it was time to relocate or plant, and why we’ve always been quick to say we “multiplied” rather than split. Along the way we talk about the vote, the motto that kept the family together, and the practical work of dreaming responsibly when every ministry area has a wish list. 

If you’re interested in church construction, capital campaign realities, and faith-driven leadership, you’ll love the details: multiple plan revisions, bank meetings where we heard “no,” value engineering, volunteer work, and the hard truth that the building felt “too small” the week we moved in. Paul also shares unforgettable stories from the build, including a forklift joyride and wires clipped overnight, plus the joy of that packed first Sunday. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves church history, and leave a review. What part of the story surprised you most?

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