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Little white church at Paradise Valley to be
renovated |
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April 28, 2015 |
A group is organizing to renovate the little
white church at Paradise Valley. The
church has been a landmark building in Paradise
Valley for over 100 years.
"The church was built in 1903 and is in need of
quite a bit of TLC," said Larry Hall, one of
organizers of the project.
According to Mr. Hall, the church was built in
1903, which would be 112 years ago, by
homesteaders in the
Paradise Valley area. Along with church
services, the building was also used as a
community center in Paradise Valley until the
Grange Hall was built.
The church property and adjacent cemetery is
owned by the Paradise Valley Cemetery
Association. "The idea of renovation started
with a group of people who thought it was a
shame to see the building deteriorating. They
wanted to preserve it as it's part of Paradise
Valley's heritage."
At a recent meeting of the Cemetery Association,
a discussion was held about preserving the
church, and there was some discouragement that
no one had stepped up to head up the
restoration. "I spoke up," said Mr. Hall, "and
was appointed as the leader. You should learn to
keep your mouth shut!" he joked.
The initial goal at this time is to get a solid
foundation for the building and a new floor for
the inside. Once that is accomplished, the group
will look at other needs. Further work will
depend upon funds that might be available, but
they would like to put on a new roof and siding.
The building could also use new doors and paint.
So far, the project has had good financial
support. One donor who wishes to remain
anonymous donated $5,000 toward the renovation.
A family has offered to donate windows. The
Trail Blazers 4-H club, headed
up
by Shelly Smith, sold flower seeds and bulbs to
raise money. Their goal was to raise $1,000, but
through hard work the Trail Blazers were able to
raise double that amount, bringing in $2,000 for
the project.
It is hoped the work can begin within the next
month or so.
The group will be meeting periodically to plan
for and oversee the project, and to continue to
work on raising necessary funding.
It is hoped the building can eventually be used
again for a church, and for weddings and perhaps
funerals.
The organizers are hoping others will help out
with donations or with volunteer work.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help out in
any way, or those wishing to make a donation,
please call Larry Hall at 208-627-2718 or
208-267-0801.
The photos below show the Paradise Valley Church
as it appears today.
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