Preservation Spotlight #1- Zion Church

Historic preservation encourages cities to build on the assets they have—unleashing the enormous power and potential of older buildings to improve health, affordability, prosperity, and well-being. By transforming the places we live to places we love, older buildings are a key and irreplaceable component of this future, and we are richer and stronger when they remain.

This is the first in a series of updates on preservation projects in our community. We hope you will drive by these special places to create your own driving tour. Each of the sites has a connection with Historic Columbus through being a current or previously HCF-owned property or a participant in the Public Participation Grant program.

Thanks to the incredible support and steadfast kindness of our members, corporate partners, volunteers, and the current owners of these sites, they have a bright future!

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UPDATE FROM ZION CHURCH

Talbotton, Georgia

Katherine and David Johnson

Since receiving $100,000 from Historic Columbus’ 2019 Public Participation Grant, good things continue to happen for the 1848 Zion Episcopal Church. Recently, Zion Church Restoration, Inc. received a $90,000 gift from the Merrell and Constance Calhoun Foundation. We are grateful. We are also extremely thankful to Clarence Robinson, Robinson Paving; The Callahan Foundation, Atlanta, GA; UPSON EMC, Thomaston, GA; and Oglethorpe Power, Tucker, GA, as well as the many individuals who have stepped forward as donors to this wonderful project.

Zion Church is looking great. Donnie Caudill, Caudill Construction, has completed restoring the Bell Tower and the front of Zion. They are now working on the back wall and the sides. The Board continues to brainstorm uses for Zion once restoration is complete. We see Zion Church Restoration, Inc. as a vehicle to incubate music programs and cultural events throughout the wider Talbotton community, including children and youth. By doing so, it will continue to energize and trigger community involvement, new programs, and new businesses. Feel free to drive by Zion.

As soon as it is all safe and sound, we will open for tours and events. Thank you again, Historic Columbus!