The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, which still owns the building, supports preservation of the building but is unable to fund the needed repairs. The garden club, mayor, and founding family hope to insure long-term preservation of the National Register structure which is located just off the town square. A condition assessment by a historical architect and a comprehensive preservation plan are needed to preserve this architecturally significant structure that still houses its original pews, which are attached to the exterior walls to make the most of the space in the intimate interior, and vintage stained glass windows.
This small, frame, Neo-Gothic chapel is located in Clayton, Barbour County, and was built ca. 1875. It was de-sanctified in the 1960s but has been lovingly maintained over the years by local garden clubs, community members, and the family that donated the land for the church. The Camelia Garden Club and friends have repaired and secured the building. The City has mowed the lawn, and the founding family has contributed time and materials to preserve the building. It was added to the National Register in 1995. The building is still a presence in the community and is especially close to the heart of the local garden club, which hosts an annual Every Light a Prayer for Peace event in the building each December. In 2015, the torrential Christmas rains damaged the building and revealed serious structural problems. Peeling paint and flaking plaster are a direct result of the rains due to problems with a relatively new roof that may have been installed on rotten (and incredibly steep) roof decking. A spongy floor and seriously shifted walls suggest there may be a rotten sill or collapsed foundation.
The Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, which still owns the building, supports preservation of the building but is unable to fund the needed repairs. The garden club, mayor, and founding family hope to insure long-term preservation of the National Register structure which is located just off the town square. A condition assessment by a historical architect and a comprehensive preservation plan are needed to preserve this architecturally significant structure that still houses its original pews, which are attached to the exterior walls to make the most of the space in the intimate interior, and vintage stained glass windows.
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Alabama's Endangered Historic LandmarksEach year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate. Archives
May 2023
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