A growing non-denominational Benton Harbor congregation is moving a few blocks West on Napier Avenue, taking over a much larger former church building. Overflow Church, currently at 300 East Napier will soon occupy the former Fairplain Presbyterian Church at 210 West Napier. The deal to buy the empty, 21,000 square foot church facility apparently closed April 30 and Overflow hopes to occupy the space this fall after some fix-up and redecoration.
Fairplain Presbyterian Church closed at the end of 2024, having shrunk to 35 members at the end, according to the church’s final newsletter posted online. Overflow, conversely, is less than 20 years old and appears to be a vibrant congregation, according to the overview posted on its website:
“Overflow Church started in 2007 and is centered on the life, message, and mission of Jesus Christ as found in the scriptures. We’re uniquely located at the crossroads that lead directly into St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, on the corner of Napier and Broadway, and we believe that is completely by God’s design.
To this day we remain a multiethnic, multigenerational church with a passion to generate hope among those around us. We’ve grown into a regional church, meeting the needs of Berrien County wherever we can. You may see us on the front lines cleaning up local streets, serving local schools, providing Christmas gifts for underprivileged families, honoring first responders, and so much more.”
Overflow Church is headed by Lead Pastor Elijah Shamenda and Director of Ministries Rachel Schultz. MOTM reached out to Overflow for comment, but did not hear back.
Overflow Church is staging what they term an ‘Estate Sale’ at the FPPC site this week, Thursday thru Saturday, May 15-17, selling off various items acquired in the purchase that won’t be a part of their future plan for the building.
The large church facility includes meeting space, classrooms and offices in addition to a large main sanctuary. According to social media comments, the general feel and atmosphere will be maintained, while being freshened and updated. Fairplain Presbyterian has what might be called an ‘early American’ look, red brick exterior with prominent white trim. It was built in 1953.
The existing Overflow Church building at 300 East Napier is set back from the street and replaced an older church structure on the street. There has been no announcement on plans for the current church building.
