Representatives of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church asked the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 for help finding grants and county support to finish a historic restoration tied to the Underground Railroad.
The church’s representative asked commissioners to consider partnering on maintenance and future development at the site, which the speakers said will be “fully restored on October 31.” Commissioners asked the church to submit a budget or “wish list” so staff could identify matching grant opportunities and potential county support.
The church representatives described recent renovation work and a shortfall of funds for three immediate items — a parking-lot ramp, striping and lighting — that they said are preventing further public use. The speakers said construction funds remaining from earlier work are restricted to construction and cannot be commingled with operating costs.
Commissioners and staff recommended pursuing grant funding through local development partners and regional programs; one county official suggested the Lawrence Area Development Corporation and the Appalachian Commission as possible partners. County Administrator Dylan Bentley asked the church to provide project plans and a list of needs so staff could search for appropriate grants and follow up.
Marie Reyes, speaking for the church, said the group had submitted several grants and that “one grant kinda fell through,” and asked whether the commission could assist. She told the board the project’s longer-term goals include creating a community room for meetings and events and developing interpretive materials about the church’s role in Underground Railroad history.
Commissioners said they would review any submitted budget and meet with the church and local development contacts after the meeting. No formal county appropriation or vote was taken at the session; the discussion resulted in direction to staff to follow up and evaluate potential grant and partnership avenues.
County staff noted the church operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and that some regional funding programs require matching project specifications. The commissioners asked the presenters to return with a formal cost breakdown and timeline so county staff could determine possible next steps.
The commissioners also suggested the church coordinate with Marty Connolly and local river/park projects already tied to the site to align future funding opportunities and maintenance plans.