Editor’s note: Jeff and Linda Cathcart recently bought the old Pee Dee Presbyterian Church outside Mt. Gilead and are converting it into their home. They’re updating us on their progress; below is the third part of the series. For Part 1, click here. For Part 2, click here.
Build (or rebuild) it and they will come … and so we did, and so they did.
From the day we closed the sale on the old Pee Dee church, our new Mt. Gilead friends and family have been dropping by to share our journey of conversion from church to home, and to show the love of Jesus Christ to their new neighbors.
First to visit were Jack and Sue Jordan of Jordan Lumber fame. As we walked and talked, we shared our intent to preserve the history of the church and Jack and Sue shared their family’s passion for protecting one of earth’s most valuable assets. Jordan Lumber does this by replanting more trees than they harvest in the areas surrounding our property – and everywhere they serve. Well done, Team Jordan!
Next to visit were our daughter Sallie Ann and our grandchildren Isabella and Elizabeth. They enjoyed helping us sort the many historical writings for safekeeping and look forward to exploring the church attic gallery (where it’s alleged that folks once lived) on their next visit – we can’t wait! Kyle and Myra Poplin visited on the same day to help with moving the pews – one of which followed them back to its perfect fit beneath the front window inside Speckled Paw Coffee, where folks can enjoy a coffee, smoothie or ice cream while relaxing on the pew’s 300-plus-years-old timber frame. Thank you Kyle & Myra (and Julia) for giving us Speckled Paw Coffee!
Mrs. Ellen Lambert, who once played the well-looked-after 1898 piano during services at the old church, reminisced during her visit and shared some interesting church stories with us – even the one about the stolen outhouse before the inside restrooms were added. We believe that story outdoes all we’ve heard thus far – we’ll keep you posted. Thanks for the memories, Miss Ellen!
Well, the heat and A/C have been serviced, the electrical work is done, kitchen island built and painters are currently preserving both the inside and outside, windows too. Next week we’ll replace plumbing fixtures, add new shingles and finish the floors – just two more articles in the Paw before we’re done, ahead of our July 4th goal, all thanks to Donald Howell of Quality Contracting Inc. and his wonderful team, the love and support of our family and friends, and the countless blessings of God, for His purpose and glory. We hope you’ll continue on our journey with us. You won’t want to miss the pics of the end result.