Museum grand opening set; building saved from dozers

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    The ‘grand opening’ of the lovingly-restored Howard County museum will be Saturday, Aug. 13, Historical Society chairman Freddie Horne told Nashville Rotarians, last Wednesday.

    Horne told the civic club about restoration efforts at the building which was built in 1912 and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

    Horne brought a video slide production of before-and-after restoration pictures showing various places in the building which served for most of its years as the local Presbyterian church.

    Horne told Rotarians that when a previous local history committee purchased the unused church and adjacent property for $19,000 in 1971 they literally “saved the building from the bulldozer.”

    Horne said the building had a future as a site for weddings, bridal or baby showers and small parties, in addition to being open several hours a week to display the museum items.

    The building will be known as the ‘E.A. Williams Chapel and Museum,’ in recognition of the man who built the church and several other Nashville buildings.

    Horne recounted efforts of craftsmen and contributions of local citizens to restore the building. He said that the restoration had taken two years, about $50,000 in cash, grants and well over 6,000 volunteer hours.

    The speaker was introduced by club vice-president Carol Murray. Chapter president Dennis Green presided. Guests included Wes Howard of Dierks and Derrick Womack of Nashville.

    The club briefly discussed ways to honor law enforcement officers at a future meeting. The club will also conduct its annual watermelon treat project for senior citizens and nursing home residents this week.