By Claire Sachse

claire.sachse@tryondailybulletin.com

 

A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has stepped forward and pledged $15,000 in matching funds to the Stony Knoll CME Church building fund after a story about the church’s planned renovation project ran in the Tryon Daily Bulletin on March 18.

 

The donor said she was moved by the story and had a strong desire to help the church members reach their building goal of $45,000. The donor also encouraged others to contribute.

 

Stony Knoll CME Church in Mill Spring was constructed in 1945 on the same site and replacing a frame building that was built in 1912. The church’s founding dates to the 1880s when worshippers gathered at that vicinity under a brush arbor, according to documents provided to the Bulletin by its pastor, Rev. Arbutus Hines.

 

Rev. Johnny Searight, pastor of Piney Ridge CME Church in Union Mills, is the driving force behind the project. Searight estimates the materials for construction will run $45,000 – $50,000 to install a septic system; build an 800-1,000 sq. ft. addition containing a vestibule, two bathrooms and a pastor’s study; construct a ramp for the handicapped; renovate the heating, cooling and electrical systems; re-roof and insulate the entire building; and replace the windows.

 

Architect’s plans are in hand, said Searight, but he still hopes licensed tradespeople will volunteer to help with electrical needs, the heating and air system, roofing, carpentry, drywall and tiling.

 

For details on the construction timeline or to volunteer, contact Rev. Searight at 704-472-7962, 704-434-9710 or johnnysearight@yahoo.com. For details on the building fund or for more information about Stony Knoll CME Church, contact Rev. Hines at 828-458-2108 or arbutushines@windstream.net.

 

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