Gaines, Wolter & Kinney, P.C. - Trial Results

• CHURCH SEPARATION/DIVISION (Circuit Court of Cullman County): This lawsuit arises out of a dispute between two sects of the Seventh Street Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama. The Church took a vote and the majority elected for the Church to acquire property to build a new Church that would handle growth issues. The group that LOST THE ELECTION SUED CLAIMING LACK OF DUE PROCESS in the election, improper notice of the election, and improper conveyance of church property. The defendants asserted proper procedures were followed and the majority controlled under Baptist policy. Prior to trial the plaintiffs' last demand was $700,000. After three days of trial the judge granted the defendants' motion for judgement as a matter of law. Plaintiffs failed to prove lack of due process or any improper conduct beyond usual church politics. Bill Floyd, et al v. Seventh Street Baptist Church of Cullman, Alabama, et al., case number CV-01-666; tried August 9, 2004.