Despite Opposition, White Rock Chapel, Addison’s Only Black Church, Gets Special Use Permit

Over allegations of racism and NIMBY-ism and debates about property rights and religious freedom, the Addison City Council unanimously approved a Special Use Permit Dec. 4, allowing the White Rock Chapel to continue holding church services in a residential neighborhood on Celestial Road. 

The historic Black church was established by freed slaves in 1884, said Director of Development Services Ken Schmidt. It relocated from Dallas to Addison in 1918. 

The 1.28-acre church site includes two structures with a combined 2,700 square feet and a parking lot. 

Neighborhoods such as Oaks North, Bellbrook Estates, Stanford Court Villas, and Celestial Place were developed around the church over the last 40 years, Schmidt said. The Texas Historical Commission designated the chapel a historic site in 2000.

“We are here tonight because Addison’s zoning ordinance requires a special use permit for religious institution uses,” he said. “The religious use that existed on this site for 100 years predated initial zoning of the property and following annexation action, zoning action was never taken by the town to make it a legal use.”  

In addition to getting the proper zoning in place, property owner Dr. Don Wesson was granted the ability to make site improvements to allow for events such as weddings and funerals. The owners want to add a small pavilion and upgrade the parking lot. 

“We are excited to have this issue settled and to continue being a good community member, neighbor, and civic partner,” Wesson said after the meeting. 

The Dec. 4 council meeting adjourned just before midnight, after dozens of residents spoke against it, urging council members to not give in to fear of a lawsuit. 

Mayor Bruce Arfsten said no one takes pleasure in making a decision that is going to anger neighbors and friends. 

“What it really comes down to is whether this SUP is an appropriate use for this property,” Arfsten said. “The use of this property is the only use this property has ever had, as far as we know, at least going back 100 years. The neighborhood grew up around it. There’s a matter of private property rights … For me, the decision is really clear. We have to follow the law and we have to follow the Constitution, even though it’s unpopular among a lot of our residents.”

Watch the full Addison City Council meeting here. 

Opposition to Black Church’s Special Use Permit

Concerns about the Special Use Permit varied, but chief among the problems raised in comments submitted by letter or voiced in person included worry that the church would become an event center, that liquor would be served there, that convicted felons would be hired to work there, that surrounding properties would lose value, and that traffic would increase. 

“Fear and intimidation seem to be what this council is facing,” wrote resident Kay Beatty in a letter read by Mayor Arfsten. “This applicant, a wolf, has shed his sheep’s clothing and is before you, snarling with teeth bared in attack mode. It seems to be working. Fear of legal costs that may be incurred, fear of accusation of racism, fear of being labeled anti-religion, fear of accusations of voting against the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution … The easy way out gives the wolf what he wants.”

Others pointed out that no taxes will be paid because the property is a church. Some brought up neighborhood deed restrictions and questioned whether Wesson even legally owns the property. 

About 186 neighbors signed a petition opposing the Special Use Permit. 

Councilwoman Nancy Craig said the matter brought division to the town.

“To deal with that is part of our responsibility,” she said. “I ran for this position with the goal of serving our entire community. It is our job to listen with care and concern. I can say that I believe from my experience as well as what I’ve heard from the rest of the council that we have spent hours upon hours listening to those on both sides of this issue. You have not gone unheard.”

Support for White Rock Chapel

Attorney James Grossman of McDermott Will and Emery LLP, told the council that the permit represents allowing a historic church to function as a church. 

“This small African American church is a reminder to everyone in Addison that unity, diversity, and religious freedom are core values that strengthen all communities,” Grossman said.  “We are thrilled that the chapel will be free to continue to serve its community.”

The Dallas law firm partnered with First Liberty Institute to represent the Wesson family. 

In August 2018, the current owners of White Rock Chapel purchased the property and brought it out of receivership, the attorneys said in a statement released after the Dec. 4 vote. By doing so, they saved the historic church from demolition and preserved its rich history and legacy.  

The church then sought building permits to restore the property, which the City Council denied even after they were advanced by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. The December council vote provides the permit necessary for the church to continue to exist in Addison, attorneys said. 

“We are pleased that the Addison City Council recognizes the rights of this historic African American church to remain at this location as it has for more than 100 years and continue to serve the needs of people in the surrounding areas,” said Jeremy Dys, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute.

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Guillermo Quintanilla, who made the motion for approval, said he thought the council was concerned but not afraid. 

“The fear that I have is not living up to my obligation and my oath that I took to sit in this seat,” Quintanilla said. “I don’t believe the other council members are fearful. I believe they understand that the oath they have taken prevails over many of the issues that are brought to us. We take our oath very seriously.” 

Councilman Darren Gardner seconded the motion. 

“I’ve come to determine that no matter what’s on paper, many people just won’t accept this,” Gardner said. “It’s going to have to be played out. It’s going to have to be proven. There’s a ‘never will’ crowd … I am going to believe that Mr. Wesson is going to be a good neighbor.”