Historic Rochelle Church

Posted on Jun 26, 2008 - 05:40 PM

THE ROCHELLE HISTORIC CHURCH, 1890
Given by our ancestors, saved for our descendants…
View PHOTOS

On Saturday July 12, the hottest, steamiest summer day in recorded history, a cool event happened indoors at the Hippdrome Theater - a benefit for the Rochelle Church. Susan Marynowski, Sally Morrison and Nancy Lasseter have teamed up with Alachua Conservation Trust, and with the help of many volunteers, are working hard in order to save this beautiful historic church.  Collectively they have the passion, expert guidance, and perseverance needed to do the work, but need funds to keep the work going.

One of the first goals was to protect the priceless stained glass windows.  Done, thanks to many hands.  Next comes a bit of foundation work and a new roof.  We have faith that we can get it all done.  Damage to this unique “Gothic Revival” building from a leaking roof and a less than secure foundation would be a great loss for our community.

For the July 12 fundraiser, many local artists donated their work to be sold at silent auction to help this cause. And 120 people - church neighbors, history buffs, and our community - gathered for local storytelling, folk music by the Dim Lights, and refreshments on this summer afternoon. More than $6,000 was raised. Thanks to all of you for participating.

How you can help:
You can still help the Church by contributing online or join us for a volunteer Church workday - this first Sunday of each month.  Questions? Call Nancy Lasseter at 352.222.2052 or email her.

Read the a story in the Gainesville Sun

ABOUT THE ROCHELLE CHURCH

The Mission
A small group of citizens and the non-profit Alachua Conservation Trust have banded together to save the historic Rochelle Methodist Church, located in eastern Alachua County, Florida. A one-year lease has been secured from the private owner of the building for the purpose of stabilization. Without any expectations or guarantees, ACT volunteers and donors are doing this work in order to see that this important architectural gem is not lost, is it surely will be if it is not protected soon.

The Building
The church was built in 1890 and is a magnificent folkgothic revival style building. The church has original stained glass windows, heart pine construction throughout, and original church pews intact. The exterior has an unusual design with a false tower facade on the east (left) balancing a true bell tower on the west (right) over double sets of front doors. Scaled shingles and exterior decorative elements are intact.

The Conditions
The building, which has been closed for over 60 years, is deteriorating. A leaking roof, termite damage, crumbling foundation piers, sinking foundation soils, and broken windows are allowing weather to erode the structure. The ceilings are showing water damage that has appeared and worsened in the past several years. Because of moisture, termites have caused significant damage in two corners of the building. If the building is not protected and stabilized soon, the damage will be beyond repair.

The Work Plan
The purpose of the project is to stabilize the church from further degradation. The work plan includes protecting the windows, eradicating the termites, stabilizing the foundation, replacing the roof, and securing the building from vandalism, storms, and fire. Refinishing of woodwork, repainting, retooling of stained glass windows, and reworking of interior plaster are all beyond the scope of the stabilization effort. The church is eligible for eventual listing on the National Historic Register and we will make every effort to see that it is protected and fully restored at some future date.

How You Can Help
Donations of time, labor, materials, and money are needed in order to complete the project. Financial donations to ACT for the project are tax-deductible to the extent allowable. All work will be completed under the guidance of historic restoration specialists and within applicable building codes. Please join us in protecting a piece of our past for the enjoyment of future generations. Click here to make an online contribution