HENDERSON POINT, Miss. — The Convention-owned property located at Henderson Point, MS, longtime site of Gulfshore Baptist Assembly, is now under contract to be purchased by Mid South Companies, LLC, based in Ridgeland.
Mid South develops, constructs, and manages single-family and multifamily homes, residential communities, residential lots, condominiums, office buildings, light retail and commercial centers, and recreational properties. Over the past 46 years, the company has produced more than 14,000 residential and commercial developments.
The Executive Committee of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and the full Convention Board, met on April 22 and again on April 29, and unanimously voted to sell the property to Mid South.
The approved MOTION reads:
“Having received the recommendation from its Executive Committee, the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (Convention Board) hereby accepts Mid South Companies, LLC’s offer to acquire the Convention-owned property located at Henderson Point, MS, at the purchase price of $7,500,000, on the terms and conditions set out in that certain contingent Agreement of Purchase and Sale dated April 14, 2025. Furthermore, authorization is hereby granted to the Convention Board’s Executive Director-Treasurer or its President to execute any and all related documents and to take such other and further action as may be necessary to complete the purchase and sale transaction.”
The potential sale marks the conclusion of a lengthy, multi-year process. Key events in the property’s history include:
- 1959 – Baptists acquire 24 acres from the U.S. government.
- 1969 – Hurricane Camille destroys Gulfshore.
- 1970s–1990s – Property is rebuilt and expanded to approximately 34 acres.
- 2005 – Hurricane Katrina causes significant damage; new flood elevations are issued; study committee is appointed.
- 2006 – Study Committee recommends offering the property for sale with restrictive (non-casino) language; the Convention delegates authority to the Convention Board.
- 2007 – Restrictive deed language is finalized and approved; Executive Committee is named to serve as Steering Committee.
- 2007–2009 – Multiple offers and withdrawals due to economic conditions.
- 2010–2013 – Demolition and removal of remaining buildings and debris.
- 2025 – Approval granted to sell property to Mid South Companies.
Mid South Companies, LLC, has begun its due diligence stage of the purchase and will continue to work closely with the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board to complete the transaction and close on the property.
Several leaders involved in the decision shared reflections on the property’s legacy and the path forward.
“The Henderson Point decision concludes a lengthy process involving lots of discussion and prayer. I’m thankful that at its end the Lord opened the door for us to sale the property to a development company which plans to use it with the local community in mind. The proceeds from this sale will enhance our camping and conference ministries at both Central Hills and GARAYWA. So many people have come to faith, felt called to ministry, or grown in their walk through the camping ministries of Mississippi Baptists. We’re committed both to continuing this focus as well as expanding opportunities to engage in meaningful conferences and retreats. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to further enhance these ministries for all ages.”
— Shawn Parker, executive director-treasurer, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board
“Gulfshore Baptist Assembly has always had a special place in my heart. My Dad, Rev. James A. Hurt was on the committee that rebuilt the facilities following the destruction due to Hurricane Camille. In addition, I was called into the ministry as a teenager while sitting on the pier of that special place. When Hurricane Katrina hit our beloved campus, I was selected to serve on the committee which would decide what to do with this property. Now, as President of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, I’ve had the opportunity to watch from the inside this decision to sell our property at Henderson Point. I believe with all my heart we have made the right decision moving forward. I’m excited about the possibility to provide major improvements to Central Hills and Camp GARAYWA with the funds we’ll receive from the sale of Gulfshore. Upon completion of the sale, the property may no longer be owned by Mississippi Baptists, but it will forever be embedded in my heart.”
— Bill Hurt, pastor, Pleasant Hill Church, Columbus, and president, Mississippi Baptist Convention
“There is no doubt that God blessed the ministry at Gulfshore Baptist Assembly for many years. Countless lives were changed there. But now I believe God is giving us the opportunity to carry the work on with the sale of the property to continue to make Kingdom investments through camp and conference ministries through Camp GARAYWA and Central Hills.”
— David Hamilton, pastor, West Heights Church, Pontotoc, and president of the Convention Board
“We were thankful to see the sale of the Henderson Point property finally come to fruition. The Lord used Gulfshore Baptist Assembly for decades of Mississippi Baptist camping ministry. Many individuals experienced salvation, grew in discipleship, made life-long friends, and answered God’s call to gospel ministry while attending camp on these grounds. Though the decision to sale the property following Hurricane Katrina was painful and the process has been long, the sale of the property (once closing occurs) will position Mississippi Baptists to expand our camping ministries into the future. I trust the proceeds from this sale will be used for the advancement of God’s Kingdom through the ministries of Central Hills and Camp GARAYWA where future campers will come to know the Lord and grow in their walk with Him for many decades to come.”
— Andrew Chesteen, pastor, First Church, New Albany, and chairman of the Executive Committee
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