By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Seventy years ago, the Fudge family opened a Christian bookstore in Athens that was located on Market and Jefferson in what was the original location of McConnell’s Funeral Home. Over the years, they added publishing to their list of services, and have always had a heart to “equip the saints” for the ministry, as well as help any and all on their spiritual journey.
In 2012, CEI moved to what became (until December’s tornado) their new location in the old Beasley building on S. Marion Street, and modernized their operation. They were able to ship carefully written supplies all over the world, and they always kept the vision of creating resources that are true to the Bible and are understandable for everyone. Truth Publications became their incorporated brand.
Lance Taylor joined the CEI family in 2016, and here is a bit of his story. He is a native of West Limestone, graduated from Athens Bible School in 2002, and got a degree in business from Freed-Hardeman. He is the Director of Operations for CEI/Truth Publications, and is a husband, father, coach, and baseball fan. Lance is also a testicular cancer survivor, and knows what is like to trust God for his literal life. He will be the first to tell you that the things that he and his crew have gone through prepared them for the holiday season’s “baptism of fire” that destroyed the CEI store, and now we are watching a true “beauty-from-ashes” story unfold right before our eyes. More on that in a minute…
The first major trial at the Marion Street location was losing Tammy Woodward after a long battle with breast cancer. That was in 2019, and Lance had to wrestle with the Almighty until he “walked with a halt” over the question, “Why her and not me?” This is a common crucible for cancer survivors whether or not they are believers. Then COVID hit, and subsequently church attendance and therefore supplying churches with materials took a hit everywhere. Interestingly, because everyone was now at home, it was the increased sales of pre-packaged communion kits and personal devotionals that kept them afloat. During that time, they worked hard to re-brand, upgrade technology and customer service, increase scope and impact, and craft a wonderful slogan that has served them and our community well:
Taking His hand, helping each other home.
Then a literal “perfect storm” hit around 11:15 p.m. on December 28, 2024, and at 12:22 a.m. On December 29, Lance received a text and a picture that stunned him to the point that all he could say was, “Oh my!” It had been sent by long-time CEI/Truth Publications employee Kerri Calvert, and Lance drove straight way to the shop. The Quonset-style roof of the ca. 1945 building had been completely blown off, daggers of wood and clumps of insulation had been blown all over the downtown core of Athens, and just about everything was soaked to the point of being ruined. Everyone agreed that if the 100 mph. storm had hit during the day, there would have been fatalities, and thankfully no one was even injured. Lance’s second thought was, “The Lord will make a way,” and that has certainly been the case. By way of personal testimony, our Athens Now newspaper rack was slammed up against the front door, unscathed, and the next day Lance gallantly retrieved it for me. I almost felt guilty, given all that he and the CEI family were observing from a state of shock. Close to a half million dollars of inventory and supplies were a total loss, and the building was deemed unsafe.
Then, the rebirth began. Lance was quick to give thanks first to God, then for the community, several groups, individuals, and entities for their support, prayers, and elbow grease. Hartford Insurance has been with them every step of the way, as well as Neil Johnston of Athens Insurance. Brown & Brown Accounting offered space for them to sort through the mess. “About 3% of the inventory was able to be salvaged,” he said. Kyle Pope, who chairs Truth Publications, had already upgraded the print-on-demand aspect of online sales, and so they barely missed a step with fulfilling orders. Tere Richardson of Athens Main Street got Lance in touch with Jim Batson, owner of the historic Estes building at 103 W. Washington that had been home to High Cotton Arts. High Cotton had already planned on moving, and were able to move into the Scout/Music House, and CEI was back in business.
Currently the store looks like a warehouse, and that’s just fine with everybody, and there is a possibility that the Marion Street store might be able to be restored at some point in the future. For now, there are relics from the damaged store along with some cheerful spring decorations in the front windows. Books are on the shelves, customer service is in full swing, and the mission to provide what Lance calls a “safe supply house” for God’s people has literally weathered the storm. Lance says, “We want to provide true Southern hospitality and help you buy YOUR Bible.” They are also grateful that they are able to ship excellent, Bible-based supplies to Africa, the Philippines, and Mexico.
Stop by today and let the folks of the not-for-profit CEI/Truth Publications do what they have done for the past 70 years: meet you on your spiritual journey, and help you “arrive Home” in good shape.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
March 21, 2025
