Earlier this year Rodney and Donna White and Sammy Hughes, all of Columbia, instituted the project to restore and to preserve this piece of history. A small committee was formed to move forward, and throughout the summer months plans were made. With the help of the area's hardest working volunteer groups of faithful men, the 'Band of Brothers' under the direction of project manager Bobby Morrison, this renovation has commenced.
September 21st was designated as a community day-of-giving and various projects across town and county were well underway on this hot Saturday. The Flatwoods crew began assembling before seven a.m. and continued to ebb and flow all day, the last workers exiting after 3 p.m.
The Renovation Project work was spearheaded by the Columbia Christian Church 'Band of Brothers' Mission Building Group. Bobby Morrison marshaled a tremendous group. They worked on damaged windows, scraped paint, repaired damaged weather-boarding, and a major reworking of the porch and ramp. Pews and furniture were carried into the yard for cleaning, documents and photos prepared for scanning, and much more. After years of only occasional use, the school may again host groups in the not-too-distant future.
Those who actively participated in the work day, also who came for moral support of the project were: Bobby D. Morrison, 'Band of Brothers' project manager, Bob Fishback and grandson Jack, Brett Blair, Gene Grasham, Adam Shepherd, Roger Meadows, Rev. David Mitchell, John Davis and son, Bob Barnes, Don Knifley, Bill Skaggs, Sammy Hughes, originator of the renovation project, Rodney White and Donna Banks White, who have headed the committee for the project, Brother Bobby Bowe, Mike Watson, Beverly A. England-Brady, Mark Brady, Jeff Johnson, Darlene Campbell, Phil Hanna, Brody Blair, Jennifer Blair and Josie Blair, Ellen Zornes, Linda Waggener, Mayor Pam Hoots, Mrs. Lillie Lasley Duvall, Craig Lasley, Rita Campbell, Melissa Hughes, Anna Murrell.
There may have been others, we hope we did not miss anyone! If we did, please let us know.
There is work yet to be done, but a great start was made on this fine, hot Saturday. Monetary contributions helped defray the cost of supplies, but more will be needed. Donations may be directed to the Adair Heritage Association, or dropped off at the Adair County Public Library. - Mike Watson.