Help Us Save The Church House!
The Church House Restoration Project
This early 20th Century brick building, known by the community as "The Church House" was purchased by LCF in the 1950s as a chapel and base of operations, primarily for their children's day camp at the time (later renamed Camp Kum Ba Yah). In 1954, its two buildings and four acres were purchased by an emerging church of young people that sprang from it, still known today as Church of the Covenant -- the first intentionally, racially integrated church started in Lynchburg in 1954.
A Historic Place
The Church House has historically served as a house of worship, a place of contemplation, singing, prayer, baptisms, weddings, and more for over seventy years. While the downstairs has served as the chapel and parlor meeting salon, the upstairs has served as classrooms, lodging, and offices over its seven decade history and the Church House continues to serve as an emergency shelter for those in need today, including Camp Kum Ba Yah's campers during severe weather.
A Sacred Space
In addition to the Church House's historical context, it continues to provide sacred space for people in spiritual need. It serves as Church of the Covenant's worship space each Sunday morning, as well as Compassionate Friends' annual Blue Christmas service, and weekly contemplative prayer gatherings.
Restoration Needs
The most critical parts of the Church House needing immediate restoration include the roof, gutters, eaves, railings, and support columns. The target amount estimated for this work is $120,000.
Any Amount is helpful
Any size gift, no matter the amount, is appreciated and gets us closer to our goal. We have raised nearly half the funds so far. Can you help us get there?
