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. With the help of the area's hardest working volunteer group of faithful men, the 'Band of Brothers' under the direction of project manager Bobby Morrison, this renovation has progressed.
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.
October 5th was a second day of concentrated effort on behalf of the school. Many of the same volunteers, and a few new faces, showed up for the benefit of the school.
October 19th was the third day devoted to work at Flatwoods School. A core of workers, most Band of Brothers members came out to do one more organized day of restoration. The project was and is nearing completion, at least for this year.
The Renovation Project work was spearheaded by the Columbia Christian Church 'Band of Brothers' Mission Building Group. Bobby Morrison has 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 cleaned, documents and photos cleaned and scanned, and much more. After years of only occasional use, the school may again host groups in the not-too-distant future.
Several individuals have worked on 'non scheduled work days' including Bobby Morrison, Rodney White, Donna Banks White, Bobby Bowe, Sammy Hughes, and others.
Those who participated in the third work day on October 19th included: Rodney White, Donna White, Mike Watson, Beverly England-Brady, Don Knifley, Roger Meadows, Bob Fishback, Bobby Morrison, Sammy Hughes, Betty Knifley.
This third day included additional cleaning inside with movement of furniture and window washing, painting outside around the windows and porch, and Bobby Morrison spent much of the time on the roof securing the metal sheeting and preparing it to be painted.
There is work yet to be done, but a great effort has been made. Monetary contributions continue to help defray the cost of supplies, but more will be needed for continued maintenance. Donations may be directed to the Adair Heritage Association, or dropped off at the Adair County Public Library.
A fish fry is scheduled as a fund raiser for the school, slated for Saturday, November 2nd beginning at 11 a.m. Central Time, on the grounds of the school and Santa Fee Church. This is a free fish fry, with any contributions going to the renovation project. Watch additional notifications!