North Carolina Parish Restoring 19th-Century Episcopal Church

Photo: albemarleobserver.news

EDENTON — The tower of St. George’s Orthodox Church once stood weathered and worn above East Church Street, but a renewed restoration effort is giving the 1885 landmark new life.

According to reporting from the Albemarle Observer, parishioner and carpenter Shane Cash, who leads the work, sees the project as more than construction.

“It’s not just about fixing walls. It’s about restoring something sacred,” he told the Observer. "This is God's house."

Photo: albemarleobserver.news

Originally built as an Episcopal parish, the church sat vacant for years before being purchased by the Orthodox community. Preservation slowed during the pandemic, but Cash’s steady work has revived momentum. Repairs have uncovered heart pine beams dating back to the 1800s, along with stained glass installed in the early 20th century.

Other discoveries have been made, as well, like thousands of wasps living in the church tower that hadn't been touched for more than half a century.

"I had to suit up with spray cans just to get through," Cash told the Observer. "Once we cleared it out, we saw the old heart pine beams, original to the 1800s. That wood is stronger than anything you can buy today. It's amazing what lasts."

A supplier has been located that can provide the necessary boards, which, according to Cash, are why the church is still standing 140 years later.

Photo: albemarleobserver.news

While speaking about the restoration project, the motivated parishioner shared insights from his own trade - the trade he shares with his Savior.

"Jesus was a carpenter. So I guess I'm in good company," he told the Observer. "My job is to make sure every part - every trade, every detail - comes together. The rest is in God's hands."

Cash likens the restoration to the Orthodox spiritual path: purification, illumination, and theosis. 

"This church is on that path, just like we are," he said.

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