Donation to help with restoration of church's original home

Pastors Mike Ripski and Bucky Hesson, along with Dale Eckler, with the First United Methodist Church of Lebanon presented representatives of the The Roy Bailey African American Museum with a check for more than $1,000 to aid in the museum's ongoing battle to restore historic Pickett Chapel on East Market Street.

The donation brings the total given by the church to $2,300.

"It's where we come from," Eckler said. "It's our roots."  

The restoration efforts are supported by many local organizations, but support from the First United Methodist Church is especially appropriate since Lebanon's African community bought the church from First UMC after the Civil War.

"Freed slaves bought the church from the white congregation," Mary Harris said.

The building that houses Pickett Chapel was built in 1827 for an exclusively white congregation. Pickett Chapel Methodist Church was established in 1866 as the first church for African Americans in the city, and throughout the years became a major factor in the formation of the community. It is the oldest brick building in Lebanon.

The church remained active until 1973, when members moved to a new building, which was named Pickett Rucker United Methodist Church. For several years, until 2001, the historic building on East Market Street was home to the Pickett Players, a local theater company.

The Wilson County Black History Committee bought the building in 2007 with plans to restore it to its former glory. After renovation, it will become the committee’s headquarters and the site of the Roy Bailey African American History Center, as well as a resource for the community. The effort is ongoing.

Harris said a lot of nonprofit groups have had fewer donations during the recent economic downturn, but she remains optimistic.

"We've applied for a grant from the state for 2012," she said. "I'm hopeful."

Ch pix Photo: Mary Hinds • Lebanon Democrat

The ball is still rolling on a plan to restore Pickett Chapel in Lebanon. Representatives of the First United Methodist Church on Monday presented representatives of the Roy Bailey African American Museum with a check to aid in the restoration. Pictured are (top row, from left) Harry Harris, Carolyn Rhone, Annie Watkins, Karla McAdoo, (middle row, from left) Dale Eckler, Mary Harris, Keisha Pickett, (bottom row, from left) Mike Ripski, Bucky Hesson, Mary Copeland and Cathy White.