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We were discussing the Church/School combinations in another thread. I decided to get specific with a location and ask if anyone has any direct knowledge or thoughts. I thought the name of the church might help with any members....

The could be an issue for any number of the big Baptist churches as well as the seem to have schools attached.
Please see below:

Re: Church or School?
by blackdog8200 » Sat Nov 13, 2010 3:01 pm

This sounds just like Salem Lutheran in Tomball. Big church with a big Family life center out back and the Salem Lutheran School to the side. This is not like going to a church that meets in an elementary school cafeteria.

From the school's site:

Is the school accredited?
Yes, through the Texas Education Agency, by TEPSAC (Texas Private School Accreditation Commission), in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Part 11, Chapter 97, Non-Public Schools.

It is a separate facility but the buildings are attached, but separate and defined and marked. I can see the family life center being off limits say when there is a school BB game. The school itself, no brainer is a no go but the main sanctuary......seems a little confusing and there is no 30.06 sign for sure.


Any thoughts or direct knowledge would be great! I might have to change churches if it is a gun free zone.

I "use-ta" live in that area and made infrequent visits to Salem over the years. If it still looks like it did then (Google Maps seems to confirm it), then the buildings are not attached (covered walkways/sidewalks don't count) and you can carry in the church, provided it isn't posted. I'm assuming it isn't from your note, and I don't remember seeing a sign there, either - though it has been at least 8 years since I've been there and the signage was different back then.

The Family Life Center is primarily a church-related building (that's where the church offices, etc. are located), not school-related, so even though it is attached, it should also be governed by church rules, not school rules.

IANAL, this opinion is worth what you just paid for it, I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, etc.

Please flame away if I have this wrong.

This is one of those sticky situations that are just not well defined in law. I would say, since the church is in a separate building from the school, then you are OK to carry, other than in the school.