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This year had seen a substantial increase in the membership of the church, improved attendance at the church services, a definite aim toward a church manse and a larger sanctuary (which idea had grown steadily), as well as a general increase in the optimism and enthusiasm of all members of the church. This was evident in the budget for 1960, which was for a total of $5,600, an increase of $1,600 over the 1959 budget.
Note is also to be taken of the decision, made after much counseling and prayer, by Mr. William E. Monroe to become a candidate for the ministry, which was approved by the Committee on Christian Education of the Presbytery of Meridian in January of the new year.
On March 27,	1960, at a congregational
meeting, it was approved that the so-called "Drake property" on Ulman Avenue be purchased for a price of $20, 000, thus providing not only a manse but room for a new, bigger church itself, the culmination of a number of dreams. On April 3, 1960, approval was also given to sign and validate all requisite legal documents to close this deal, including the obtaining of an $11,000 loan from the Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association. On April 21, 1960, the property was so acquired.
This location being about twenty-five feet above sea-level, one-half block from the Gulf, is one of the highest sites in Bay St. Louis. A short distance away is the highest elevation (twenty-six feet) to be found between Corpus Christi, Texas and Apalachicola, Florida. Moss-draped oaks, azalea and camellia bushes and a lovely lawn enhanced the grounds, with a graceful old home to be occupied as the manse.
Renovation began immediately on the latter. The interior was freshly painted, floors sanded, new wiring and lighting fixtures installed and the kitchen remodeled. Upon completion of this work, Dr. and Mrs. Lindsey moved in, and, within a few weeks, they were given an "old fas'hioned house warming" by the Women of the Church.
In August, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe departed for Texas where he would undertake to complete his academic work at the University of Texas and his seminary training at the Austin Theological