Flat Rock Church & Cemetery Association
On Thursday, June 20th, the Flat Rock Church & Cemetery Association met in Calico Rock at The Nook to discuss the path forward for the restoration effort of the Flat Rock Church building just off Highway 56 east of Calico Rock. The meeting occurred in the wake of the organization’s successful first fundraising event in April and after having received the deed for the property from the Arkansas Methodist Conference in Little Rock. With deed in hand and with funding raised during the April 27th “Flat Rock Frolic”fundraising event, it was decided work should begin to stabilize the structure in preparation for a full restoration.
Building contractor, Marshall Morris of C. M. Morris Construction addressed members of the Association to explain the costs of the project going forward. After his remarks, the leadership authorized the company to begin initial work on the project. This beginning work phase will get the structure “in the dry” and shored up in preparation for complete restoration as funding is secured.
Further business discussed during the meeting centered around future fundraising efforts to occur during the Fall of this year. It was resolved that members would start planning two events: A concert featuring local musical talent in September and the organization’s first “Fall Frolic at Flat Rock” event in October. Details for these events will be announced as they develop and will be published on the organization’s public Facebook group page, Friends of Flat Rock.
Flat Rock Church & Cemetery Association is pleased to announce that , during the June 20th meeting, Melissa Jones agreed to become the organization’s secretary. Melissa, who has been involved with the organization’s efforts since the very beginning, will continue to be a valuable asset bringing experience with the successful restoration effort at Wideman Schoolhouse in which she played a vital role.
To date, the organization has managed to raise just under $10, 000 to begin the restoration process. Most of these funds will be spent in the initial effort to repair the roof and shore up the structure in preparation for full restoration. It is estimated that the cost of full restoration will be around $60, 000 which will need to be raised through various fundraising mechanisms. You can contribute to the effort by sending check or money order to:
First National Bank of Izard County,
P. O. Box 130, Melbourne, Ar. 72556
Attn: Melissa Smith.
Checks to be made out to: “Flat Rock Restoration Project” c/o either Arnold Harris or Keith McCurley.
