1875 Sanctuary Restoration Project

"Be Part of Preserving History & Memories"

We are now accepting donations to restore the 1875 Sanctuary

Please send a check or money order to:

Socastee United Methodist Church

PO Box 30787

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29588

In the Subject Line please include "1875 Sanctuary Renovation  Fund"

1875 Sanctuary Update Pictures 10/23/2024

1875 Sanctuary Updates

Chip Smith, 1875 Building Committee Chair

Thursday, September 12, 2024-We are very excited to announce that The Horry County Historical Commission voted to allow us to begin work on the exterior of the 1875 sanctuary.

May 3, 2024-A lot has happened in the last 30 days. Below is a recap of items:

• All pews and necessary items have been moved to a climate-controlled warehouse.
• A Go Fund Me Page has been set up. We have not released the God Fund Me page yet as we are working thru phase 1 with separate capital contributions.
• The entire building has been mapped from foundation to roof top. This allows us to identify problem area and develop a plan.
• Mapping found some damage to foundation pillars, some floor joist that need replacing and some rafters that need attention.
• Overall, the building is not as bad as expected.
• We had Steven Elliott who is the chief building inspector for Georgetown County do a courtesy inspection for us. Steven inspects quite a few Historical buildings in Georgetown County. He was very happy to hear that we were renovating the Sanctuary. He agreed with the assessment made about the building issues.
• We met with Horry County and have now submitted paperwork that will allow us to appear before the Historic Commission in June. Based on our initial meeting, we may be able to get approval at the June meeting to remove the siding.
• We have hired Rayne Rogers with Catalyst Architects and Chris Hollingsworth with JC Hollingsworth Engineers to develop a plan and scope of work. This will allow us to send a bid package to builders.
• We have identified a list of Historical Restoration Builders to send the package.
  

We would like to thank Bill Singleton and his family for donating so much time and expertise to this endeavor. We are on a good path to start the renovation process and save this grand old sanctuary.

Revised March 14, 2024- The 1875 Sanctuary is closed until further notice. No one is to enter this facility without prior permission. NOTHING can be removed from the 1875 Sanctuary without the approval of the 1875 Sanctuary Building Committee. 

Building Committee Meeting Summary held August 6, 2023

A meeting was called Sunday, August 6, 2023 due to the foundation inspection done Saturday, August 5, 2023 of the 1875 Sanctuary,

Beau Turbeville, Timmy Turbeville and John Collins expected the foundation and the roof of this facility. It was determined that the building is unsafe at this time and no one is to enter this facility unless permission is provided by Pastor Meredith, Gene Posey or Fred Harris.

The roof, flooring and foundation has serious concerns. In places under the Sanctuary areas could not be entered due to the concern of the structure. Also, there were joists not connected to the flooring and could be easily moved. Also, the AC vents were found on the floor which was causing moisture to form on the flooring causing damage.

There was evidence of termite damage but no termites where found. Termite tunnels were found throughout the foundation and also, puff beetles were seen. This insect can cause as much damaged as termites.

Gene Posey reviewed the relocation plan of all Sunday School Classes as well as meetings which are held in the sanctuary. Monday morning, August 7, 2023, Gene met with Kristine Curry, girl scout leader, to discuss how the girl scout material will be moved from the sanctuary and stored in the fellowship hall.

It was also agreed that facebook posts will be placed on the church site as well as church home page. Updates will be provided as they occur.

Timmy made a recommendation to have a moving company come to the sanctuary and access this facility to see if it is salvageable. If the company feels this is an option, an estimate will be provided discussing the cost and time it will take to jack up the sanctuary and replace the foundation and flooring. Also, the addition added to the front of the sanctuary will need to be demolished as it is not connected to the original structure. The estimate will include this as well.

At this point the Building Committee will meet to discuss this estimate and make a recommendation to Pastor Meredith. Also, we will ask to have a church meeting, similar to the charge conference to review this estimate and fund raising options.

A bank loan was explained by Dale Faulkner as well as explaining what the bank would need in order to consider a loan.

The Building Committee will continue providing updates once they are available. In the meantime you are welcome to contact Fred Harris, Building Committee chairperson with any questions.