METCALFE — Metcalfe Friendship Baptist Church is the recipient of a much-needed facelift.

An anonymous grant enabled the church to be totally scraped and painted and renewed where needed. Roof, among other repairs, were done.

“If you want to see for yourself, we encourage that,” said Teresa Brown of Metcalfe Heritage Society, an arm of Thomasville Landmarks.

To reach the church, turn left at the Metcalfe sawmill. 

“The church is two blocks away,” Brown said.

The work is being done by Mike King of Kingdom Builders. Painting subcontractor is Tyrell Jones.

Tommy Johnson, a Metcalfe resident who heads the church board, is overseeing the operation, along with church board member Carmen Lantner.

“The grant for the church was secured by the Metcalfe Heritage Society. The grant foundation wished to do this in a private way, needing no accolades for what is a much-needed situation,” Brown said.

The church, recognized by Colonial Dames of America 17th Century-Thomasville Chapter as the oldest continuing active church in Thomas County, was built in its present location in 1890, soon after the town of Metcalfe was incorporated. 

“But the history goes back to 1848, when the church was located near the Florida border, about two miles from the present location,” Brown said.

A detailed church history was written in the Metcalfe Heritage Society spring 2016 newsletter by longtime church supporter Andy Rudd, with his uncle, the late Elmer Horne Jr., as a contributor.

The Metcalfe Heritage Society also is in possession of a Word attachment on the history of the church done earlier by Metcalfe Heritage Society researchers. Email tkbrown@ix.netcom.com for the information.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820