Historic commission approves COA for St. Mary's AME as officials warn of possible demolition by neglect

The Thomaston City Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 5 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness that clears the way for St. Mary's AME Church at 605 N. Hightower Street to pursue exterior repairs and a DDA Facade Grant.

Representatives including Troy Woodard and Taylor J. Smith, Thomaston City Economic Development Director, told the commission that the 160‑year‑old church is suffering significant runoff and water intrusion into its basement. "After heavy rains, parishioners clean out inches of water from the basement," Woodard said. Smith warned that if the problem is not remedied, "the foundation of the church could be compromised leading to demolition by neglect." The commission discussed the structural risk and the need for grant funding to undertake repairs.

Mr. Walter Brown moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as presented; Mrs. Carey Elder seconded the motion, which passed unanimously among members voting. The approval enables the property owners to pursue the DDA Facade Grant and begin planning needed repairs. The commission did not provide a vote tally beyond the meeting record that the motion "passed unanimously."

Rev. James McGill disclosed a conflict with Item H (605 N. Hightower Street) earlier in the meeting and recused himself from that matter, per the record.

The commission did not set a timeline for repairs during the meeting; staff indicated follow‑up and grant application work will proceed outside the public meeting record.