If walls could talk, the ones of the historical Wards Chapel AME Church in northeastern Putnam County would probably tell great stories of struggles and victories, faith and hope, tears and laughter, prayer and song.
These days, those walls would also be asking for help. Since the walls can’t speak, community members are asking for the help instead.
The church’s history goes back to 1880, and the most notable member of its congregation over the years was legendary author Alice Walker, who attended there with her family when she was young, according to Larry Moore. But Wards Chapel AME Church has not been in use since the early 1970s when congregation members either moved away or started attending other churches.
Located on the road that shares its name, the church building became dilapidated and at one point, was literally caving in. Individual volunteers as well as organized groups made significant headway in repairing the building’s physical structure in 2013, 2015 and 2019. The exterior walls were also painted, and large panels of brightly colored art by local art students replaced the broken windows, creating a beautiful landmark for passersby until the restoration could be completed.
“I, along with a few other aging old timers, haven’t been able to help much in recent years on the church due to the pandemic plus health issues, and progress has stopped,” Moore said. “The objective continues to complete restoration … and have it available for tours, appropriate functions, etc.”
Although Wards Chapel is not an operating church, the Rev. Simone Jones serves as its official pastor, and the AME Church fully supports her in this role and the restoration efforts. Moore said he is working with Jones and currently serves as the contact for the renovation work.
“We again ask the community to join in to complete the restoration of this historic site,” Moore said. “The AME Church has approved the work, but we need volunteer help.”
Moore said the grounds, lawn, and plants need regular maintenance, and the outside of the building also needs to be repainted.
“The bare wood replacement siding may begin to rot if not painted soon,” he noted. “However, the roof is relatively new with a previously volunteer effort.”
Although there is a new floor inside the building, it now needs drywall and paint, Moore said, as well as electrical rewiring, some plumbing restoration, and connection to the existing septic tank. Another item on the wishlist is some “old style, simple church pews,” he added.
The Art Department of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville has already volunteered to help with the windows. The plan is to paint plexiglass to give a stained-glass effect.
“I’d also like to have local high school students and/or other local artists involved somehow, maybe making artwork for interior wall decorations,” Moore said.
Moore noted that Randy Martinez, of RMJ Painting Company, may be coordinating the efforts to paint the exterior walls of the church. Anyone else willing to help can contact Moore at 706-473-2453.
“We can’t do this without volunteers, and any help at any time would be welcome,” Moore said.