Our community in White County, Georgia has always taken pride in our heritage, especially in landmarks that tell the story of our town's history. One such place is the historic church that was first established on February 18, 1889, when Isaac Oakes generously donated it with an acre of land intended for the community's benefit. Over the years, this site has served as both a church and a school, and during World War II, it provided shelter to displaced families. It holds immeasurable historical and cultural significance to our residents.

Unfortunately, the last remaining trustees, unbeknownst to many of us, recently executed a quit claim deed transferring ownership of the property to the local school system. With the elementary school next door expanding, there's a real fear that we might lose this cherished piece of our history to make space for new developments. The potential demolition of this site would be a loss not only for our county but also for future generations who won't have the chance to connect with these living pieces of our past.

We are not asking the White County School Board to abandon their plans for expansion but to work with us so that we can coexist. We propose to raise funds within our community to support necessary repairs and renovations for the church. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that this site is preserved as a historical landmark, acknowledging its rich history and contributions to the community.