Kate, left, and Andrew Kirby pose Wednesday on the front steps of the old First Baptist Church they recently purchased in Big Sandy. The Kirby's plan to convert the sanctuary upstairs in the church for a live music and performance space with offices of the newspaper publishing and printing business downstairs. Andrew D. Brosig/Tyler Morning Telegraph via AP)

BIG SANDY – A historic church in the heart of Big Sandy has seen a lot of life in its almost 100 years, and if walls could talk, there might be plenty to say.

For so many, the old Baptist church at U.S. Highway 80 and Tyler Street was the center of their lives.

There were days of cheers and of tears and myriad special times, such as when proud men with watering eyes escorted glowing brides down aisles.

In the quiet kitchen, it’s easy to imagine still warm homemade pies being sliced and served with love.

The grassy lawn has seen sunrise services, church picnics and generations of dimpled babies in Easter bonnets.

But always in life, change is inevitable.

Along the way, the faithful congregation said farewell to the old 1922 building and moved into a new one, to start a new chapter in the walk of faith.

The relocation left the stately old structure sitting empty, waiting patiently for a new purpose and fearless risk takers who enjoy a challenge.

Both arrived just last week.

“It was a deal we couldn’t pass up,” said new owner Andrew Kirby, a local entrepreneur and musician. “It’s about 8,000 square feet.”

His guitar-playing wife and business partner, Kate Kirby, added, “We’re really excited. It seats about 200, but it’s really comfortable at 180.”

And so, if walls really could speak, the big question might be: “What’s next?”

A lot, apparently, according to the Kirbys, who are giving the old church a new interior look, identity and purpose: Big Sandy Music Hall.

It’s going to function as a music venue, event center and office space for the Kirbys’ other projects, which include print, advertising, marketing and media.

“We’ve always mixed business with music,” he said.

The couple thought long and hard about purchasing the church, but it was ultimately decided their love of Big Sandy was worth the risk of investing in its future.

“We always pray before we do anything,” Mrs. Kirby said.

The location has been serving as a music hall in recent months under a different name, and the couple plans to continue the new tradition.

So every third Thursday of the month, the old sanctuary will again be filled with the sound of music, from emerging artists performing original music to familiar names and favorites.

The 7 p.m. April 21 kickoff, at 100 S. Tyler St., is to feature Randy Brown and the Kirbys on stage. Admission is $5. Kids under 10 can attend for free.

The couple plans to eventually work with area schools and offer space for one-act plays, choir and jazz bands performances and local entertainment series.

“We’d like to be a music venue first,” Mrs. Kirby said.

A recent tour of their acquisition revealed myriad projects in the works: new paint, flooring and improved accessibility.

Updated restrooms and a working elevator are already in place.

Kirby’s father, found swapping out a lock, is pitching in to help with the rest.

“I thought they were crazy,” M.L. Kirby said with a grin and a wink. “I try not to get more involved than is necessary.”

The elder Kirby said he’s used to the couple’s boundless enthusiasm and comical adventures.

The duo grew up together in Garland and married 18 years ago.

It seems they eloped and wed in a strange town, by a justice of the peace, a Rev. Brown, who was closing up his office for the evening when they arrived.

“It was almost dark, and we needed a witness,” Kirby said. “The J.P. said, ‘I know a lady who is always home,’ so we went into her apartment and got married.”

The woman, not expecting company, slipped a white ruffled blouse over her T-shirt and stood by to vouch for the happy couple.

A photo of their happy day features the love-struck couple, surrounded by smiling strangers.

Some might say the impromptu wedding set the stage for the countless adventures to come.

They spent several years in California working in the music business before returning to Texas and close to family members.

Now firmly rooted in East Texas, the Kirbys seem to have found their slice of heaven, all 8,000 square feet of it.

“This is a dream we’ve always wanted to do,” Mrs. Kirby said, gazing around the sanctuary. “And now we’re doing it.”

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