WOODVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Woodville Methodist Chapel has been around for more than 150 years.
Built as the first church in the area, it has been a staple of faith in the community since 1871, but now the landmark faces an uncertain future.
Woodville Mayor Steve Helms said he and his late wife got married at the chapel in 1969. He fought back tears while remembering what the chapel meant to him.
“That church is where we would meet every Sunday afternoon for activities, and the church has been a cornerstone for this community,” Helms said.
According to the Woodville Parks and Recreation Board secretary, the church was damaged by storms, totaling an estimated $150,000. A survey found that the building is unsafe and was shut down for good two years ago.
The church held its last Sunday service in June of 1996, but two years later, the church was deeded to the town.
The Woodville Methodist was used for weddings, historic tours and events, but now the board is faced with either restoring the church or demolition. Helms, the recreation board and the Woodville Town Council are seeking the public’s help to save the historical landmark.
“I’m serious about it and I want to do what we can to make sure that this thing is preserved for the next generation and rebuild it better than it has been,” said Helms. “We want to keep with the old traditions, but we want to make sure it’s basically a showplace in the town.”
The Woodville Town Council has until June 3 to come up with the funds before the chapel will be set up for demolition.
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