11/5/2012 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Gordon County Historic Preservation Commission
November 5, 2012
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 5:00 p.m.; welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from October 1, 2012 meeting for presented review and approval. Betty Ann Surdykowski noted name change to be made to minutes. Betty Ann Surdykowski made motion to approve amended minutes, seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye.
Unfinished Business
Chairman Padgett stated Resaca Battlefield and Fort Wayne projects are progressing as scheduled.
Chairman Padgett received a call from Russell Cook in regards to a cemetery on his property off Highway 136 near Ranger, with graves dating back to 1832.
David Mitchell stated Concord Cemetery was originally Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church, constituted approximately 1849 and disbanded around 1860 – 1870’s. Concord Cemetery was recently cleaned by a Boy Scout troop and is located around Pine Log Creek on Highway 53.
New Business
Chairman Padgett informed HPC that State of Georgia is requiring a 5 year short term goals from Historic Preservation, these have already been set in October meeting. Ursula Desrosier will be submitting a rough draft at an upcoming meeting. (copy of Gordon County 2013 – 2017 short term work program has been filed with minutes). There was brief discussion pertaining to these goals. (copy of Gordon County Historic Preservation Commission short/long term goals on file with minutes). There was a brief discussion of short/long term goals.
Chairman Padgett turned the meeting over to Ted Collins, who is associated with preservation of Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Ted Collins stated he has met with South Tennessee/North Church Presbyterian Association in reference to reorganizing the Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Collins stated the church building is in good condition, with a few minor cosmetic things that need repair. He stated there is no running water in the church building, but there is water in the fellowship hall, which is a free standing building beside the church. He stated the floor in the fellowship is need of repair due to water damage from a leaking commode. He stated a contractor gave a rough estimate of $7,000 to repair the floor.
Ted Collins stated the Presbyterian Association has voted to sell the church. Mr. Collins is asking the HPC for assistance in preserving the church.
Jane Powers Weldon stated first plot of land for the church was purchased in 1859, with another plot purchased in 1860 for $1.00. Jane Powers Weldon stated both deeds state if property ceases to be used for religious purposes it shall revert to the original owners or their heirs. There was brief discussion to records pertaining to church.
There was discussion to future usage of church building as well as funding preservation of building, including non-denominational services held, wedding chapel, monthly revivals, and homecomings.
Chairman Padgett stated the church is more than likely most famous structure still standing in relation to Civil War history in Gordon County.
Chairman Padgett questioned how the HPC can assist Mr. Collins in preserving the church. HPC can obtain historical background on church, public relations and designate property as local historic site if owners request, which gives the property legal protection from alteration.
Chairman Padgett stated first step is to find legal physical records for the property and asked Jane Powers Weldon if she would assist Ted Collins with find any records. She stated she would assist Mr. Collins.
There was brief discussion to condition of freestanding fellowship hall at church property.
Chairman Padgett suggested meeting with Historical Society to see if Historical Society would be interested in partnering up with the project.
Chairman Padgett stated once legal documents are found and we get support to meet with local Presbyterian Church and make a proposal for the request of church being donated and possibly having one or two functions at the church a year, possibly a revival or homecoming.
Chairman Padgett thanked Ted Collins for his interest in the Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Ted Collins thanks HPC for inviting him to meeting.
Ursula Desrosier handed out 2013 HPC meeting schedule (filed with minutes)
Adjournment
Chairman Padgett stated next meeting will be Monday, December 3, 2013 @ 5:30 p.m.. Jane Powers Weldon made motion to adjourn; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:38 p.m.
