Church-bought Bennett Studio Facing Changes

By Katherine T. Phan

A church that spent $1.03 million for the Bennett House, a recording studio that leases to Christian music artists such as Amy Grant and CeCe Winans, is considering buying a Christian record label that has Provident Music as its distributor.

Details to the label The Fourth Avenue Church of Christ intends to buy has not been released but the church’s music minister said the church may start their own instead of buying one.

The Bennett House, a 19th century Victorian house, was purchased by the church last September from songwriter and producer Keith Thomas to provide more office space for the church’s staff but may soon convert to the national headquarters for Hallal, an acapella music writing and publishing ministry that is leasing out Bennett House’s services.

"In the next three to four years something will be built to house the church's administrative staff," said Ken Young, president of Hallal Ministries.

Young expects the Bennett House to become a non-profit umbrella organization to house Hallal Ministries and others and also the title of the Bennett House be changed to Hallal Ministries.

The House is known for the unique sounds produced from playing in each of its different rooms. For example, drummers prefer to use the House’s Front Room to create what has been termed the "Bennett House sound.”

Amy Grant’s “Simple Things" was recorded at the studio and Keith Thomas and Christian singer CeCe Winans working on a project at the studio.

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