Editor’s note: Jeff and Linda Cathcart recently bought the old Pee Dee Presbyterian Church and are converting it into their home. They’re updating us on their progress; below is the first installment.
By Jeff and Linda Cathcart • When we met with Kat McRae of New South Realty at the old Pee Dee Presbyterian Church, we were pretty sure we’d found the property we wanted to buy. We instantly felt God’s peace inside the church and the warmth of a new friend in Kat. After a quick walk-through, we decided to drive into Mt. Gilead to have coffee, pray for God’s direction and discuss the arduous process of converting the old church into our new home. Would it work? After sitting empty for more than three years, could the old church really be converted into a family home?
Driving into Mt. Gilead for the first time, an open parking spot directly in front of Speckled Paw Coffee beckoned. The Speckled Paw herself, Julia, met us at the door. Once again, we felt the warmth of new friends – Julia, Kyle and Myra welcomed us like family. After some great conversation at the Paw, and much prayer and discussion on the way back to Raleigh, it was a done deal. We knew Mt. Gilead and the old Pee Dee church is where we’re supposed to be. The next day, we met with Kat again to sign the contract and start the due diligence period. An inspection of the church revealed “good bones” and a rich 150-year history that needed our love and attention, as much as we wanted to make the church our home. We are committed to preserving as much of the church’s history as possible. Most of the church fixtures will be left “as is” or repurposed and used as home furnishings. Some books and memorabilia will be donated to the Mt. Gilead Museum and some items gifted as love offerings to other churches, former Pee Dee Church congregants and townspeople. In fact, drop by Speckled Paw and relax on a pew from the old Pee Dee Presbyterian Church. Stay tuned for more as the conversion from church to home unfolds.