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Momentum…... momentum……. momentum.
This best describes the “hum” in the background that is almost audible
to everyone around the Union Church.
The steeple roof is done, and the letters are off
the front of the building…but that’s not all.
An architectural history is being written to
promote the church and help raise funds…but that’s not all.
The Orion Historical Society’s Annual Membership
Meeting is going to be held—you guessed it--in the church…but that’s still not
all...
We’re going to be working with one of the most
reputable historic architects in our area, and they are going to develop an
architectural Master Plan for the church that will guide the total restoration
for the next several years. This will
allow us to use this resource even when leadership changes, without skipping a
beat or losing our…momentum.
If you’ve ever been in the Lapeer County Courthouse, or the Linden Mill,
or if you’ve seen the Evart Train Depot, the St. John’s Train Depot, or
the Van Hoosen Farm, you’ve seen the work of Jackie Hoist and Ron Campbell
of THA Architects of Flint.
Not only do they understand our local vernacular architecture of the middle
19th century, they are among the very best at making these older
structures usable and enjoyable by the public—including those needing
barrier-free access. Their fees are affordable, and they will work closely with me to make sure
that the interests of the township, village, Historical Society, Senior
Center, and community at large are carefully incorporated respectfully
into this wonderful piece of our history. We are
really in good hands with people who love old buildings and take very good care
of them.
In addition to developing an integrated Master Plan, they will be targeting
the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—the mechanical services that
have to be dealt with first. This phase
of construction will no doubt be costly; and it is not going to “show”. The funds that have been raised in recent
years will be used quickly. But, once
this work is done, the restoration that will show can proceed. We need
to start planning creatively about the next fund-raising campaign. So, put your thinking caps on. One thing about momentum…once it’s going,
it gives you a head start, but if you don’t keep it rolling it can slow to a
crawl.
- Leslie
Pielack, Project Manager
CHURCH PHOTOS NEEDED!
The search continues for
photos of the Union Church’s interior from the days when it was open to the
public. Who do you know who might have
such pictures? Wedding pictures from the Baptist Church (1922 and forward), or even from
when the village had offices there from 1972 to 1988. Photos will be scanned and returned to you.
Please call
Leslie Pielack 248-693-4629
x3
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