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Dear Editor:
The Mt. Olivet Old Log Church on Droop was going to have some work done on its sanctuary when we found out that the building was in worse condition than we thought.
Repairs are needed due to the fact that the building is 137 years old, and it has been affected by weather and water, and bugs – termites, powder-post beetles and lice – have made the logs their home. Some of the logs are now hollow inside.
It is by the grace of God that the building is still standing or someone has not fallen through the floor.
We, the people of the church, have to make a difficult decision whether to tear down the log church or try to replace the logs.
Being a small church, the choice might not be the one we want to make.
We have been given an estimate for a non-log structure at $91,000; a new log structure, for more than $100,000; or repurpose and reuse the old logs and acquire other old logs at a cost of $120,000 to $200,000.
We have some money, but nothing close to what we need.
We are seeking donations to help with this project.
Donations may be sent to Mt. Olivet UMC Building Fund, c/o City National Bank, 300 Eighth Street, Marlinton, WV 24954.
Most of all we need prayers to help us make the right decision.
Mt. Olivet will have Sunday services at 9 a.m. at Mt. Zion on Droop beginning Sunday, September 24.
Joyce McMillion
Droop