Grace Episcopal Church, April 19, 2012
SHEFFIELD-Summer time and ice cream just go together, according to the committee recently formed to aid in 
“Saving Grace.” On Friday, July 12, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., an old-fashioned Ice Cream Social will be held on the lawn of Sheffield City Hall. Those who attend may enjoy delicious ice cream served with a home-baked goodie on the side and sit under the shade trees to enjoy live music by the Charles Rose Trio. Tickets are $6.00, available in advance at the Sheffield Public Library or at the office of David Milstead, Architect. You may also purchase your ticket at the event.
“Saving Grace” is the tagline chosen for a campaign to raise funds to preserve and stabilize the historic church on Montgomery Avenue in Sheffield. The church, exemplifying late Victorian Gothic architecture, was built at the beginning of the twentieth century and formerly served the Episcopal congregation of the town. Bridging downtown to the city’s tree-lined Victorian residential area, it has stood as a landmark in the city for more than 100 years. Weather and the removal of the stained glass
windows took a toll on the building and it faced an unknown threat, until the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation stepped forward in late 2012 to take ownership and spark a campaign to save the church.
According to Lanny Perry, Chairman of the Foundation, the church was recently listed in Alabama’s “Places in Peril” list of the 10 most endangered historical structures in the state, named by the Alabama Historical Commission and recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
“Appearances are often misleading,” said Sheffield architect and chairman of the Historic Sheffield Commission, David Milstead. “An evaluation by a Huntsville engineering firm and an inspection by foundation specialists promise that the building is salvageable. Much of its architectural integrity remains in tact and upon raising enough funds, measures will be taken to stabilize the building so that it can be utilized for the good of the community.”
Organizers of the Ice Cream Social say it’s appropriate to kick off the fund-raising campaign with this
event, which will be reminiscent of old fashioned summer evening soirees. Ice Cream Socials were held to accomplish the original construction of the church and remained an annual event throughout its history.
“Neighbors of the church, those who have fond memories of it throughout the years when it served the
Grace Episcopal Church, April 19, 2012
Episcopal and other congregations and as a privately-owned wedding chapel, those who love jazz and blues, preservationists and progressive thinkers, alike, are all invited to join in the fun. Set aside your Friday evening to relive old times and save a landmark,” said Ninon Parker, vice chairman of the CCHLF. All proceeds will go toward stopping water damage from a leaky roof and structural stabilization of the building.
The Scratch Food Truck, a new venture serving the cities of Sheffield and Tuscumbia, will be parked at City Hall that evening to offer supper options to accompany the ice cream. A portion of their sales will also benefit the “Saving Grace” fund. Owner, Whitney Dean, said, she grew up in Sheffield and wants to help.
In case of rain the event will be moved inside. Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation and the Historic Sheffield Commission are sponsoring the Ice Cream Social. For more information: Lanny Perry, Chairman of CCHLF,256-383-4204; or David Milstead, Chairman of HSC, 256-383-9007.
Donations may be made to CCHLF, designated For Saving Grace, and mailed to CCHLF Treasurer Buddy Whitlock, 1008 E. Third St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674. Memorials or Honorariums will be accepted and family notified.
