Ownership of Grace transferred

Grace Episcopal Church, April 19, 2012

SHEFFIELD – There was an announcement by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation regarding the disposition of the old Grace Episcopal Church on Montgomery Avenue.

Here is the statement:

The Board of Directors of the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation announces a transfer of property of the Old Grace Episcopal Church at 700 North Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, to National Green Services, LLC.  The transfer was filed at the Colbert County Courthouse on April 29^th, 2014, making the transaction official.  The stated desire and plan of the company is to preserve and rehabilitate the church to serve as a community venue.

In September of 2012 the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation took possession of the property with the intention of saving this significant landmark from demolition.  During its ownership, of the church, the CCHLF worked to organize and to bring attention to the threatened loss, holding events to raise funds to protect it and to stabilize it until a solution to its plight could be found.  The foundation provided its upkeep during this time, including the payment of insurance and taxes. 

Advice and assistance was provided by the Alabama Historical Commission, resulting in the listing of the property in the state’s 2013 Places in Peril list.  The Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation offered assistance and referrals. Support was received from additional entities in the Shoals area, including the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area.  The Foundation requested and received a Community Development grant from the Colbert County “TVA In Lieu of Taxes” fund, which was sponsored by Rep. Marcel Black, to provide an engineering study to aid in preservation of the historic church. The preservation effort was aided by the Sheffield Historic Commission and its chairman, David Milstead.  Many local individuals gave donations and volunteer time. Grateful appreciation is expressed to all those who have been of help in preserving the church.

 Statements by Lanny Perry, Chairman of the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation;

“We are appreciative that the City Council and the Building Department of Sheffield were willing to work with us during the process of securing an owner for the building.”

 “We are pleased that our efforts and the efforts of concerned local citizens have resulted in a positive outcome for this historic building.  We commend National Green Services, LLC, for undertaking this rehabilitation project and offer our continued support for the preservation of Old Grace Church.”

Follow this LINK to read a previous story and see some additional photos.