ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A small church that played a significant role in the history of Mount Dora's African-American community received some much-needed TLC Saturday.
A team of volunteers gathered at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church on Old Highway 441 near the Orange-Lake county line Saturday morning to tidy up the dilapidated chapel and its overgrown grounds.
The 90-year-old wooden building had fallen into disrepair in recent years due to neglect, but its last parishioner, 80-year-old Beaulah Babbs, hopes to someday see the once-spirited church’s doors reopen.
Photos: Volunteers restore abandoned historic church near Mount Dora
“Today has made me so happy,” she said. “I know that my dream is being fulfilled.”
The original church was built in 1896, but it later burned down. The current building, which was constructed in 1926, was moved across the street before being abandoned 10 years ago.
Though the church now sits empty, its membership once comprised 23 families. Babbs said her parents were very dedicated to the church, and that the building reminds her of fond memories and simpler times.
Photos: Woman fights to keep historic Mount Dora church from disappearing
“This means everything to me -- to see the people turnout and help to make it look better,” she said. “[They] give us even more hope that soon we will be having church here again.”
Because of the building's condition, workers must rebuild the church from the inside out. Fundraising efforts are underway to pay for the fumigation and repainting of the building, which is planned for this month.
Volunteers aim to fully restore the church in time for a Christmas service planned for next month, the details of which will be posted on the restoration effort's Facebook page.
Previous story: Group works to save historic Baptist church in Mount Dora
Cox Media Group
