Church to benefit from Welshfest
A lot of good comes out of the annual celebration of Welshfest in Rockmart. Vendors get a chance to sell their wares to people who are interested in Welsh and Celtic history. Attendees get a glimpse of what it was like before immigrants came to Polk County as quarry workers in the 1800s.
One part of the annual event that helps make a difference and provides a way to insure history is kept alive is the financial support provided to the Rockmart History Museum and Historic Van Wert Church, which has been undergoing renovations slowly over the past year.
The past year proved busy on t he church grounds, with several projects undertaken in preservation efforts. That included the discovery of new gravesites on the property following clearing efforts. Dan Barrett of Rome donated the use of labor and equipment in the clearing effort estimated at around $2,200.
The parking area at the church was re-graveled twice by Rockmart Slate Corporation by Richard Grubbs.
Tim Parks also placed Four 4-inch square steel beams to stabilize the church building that was leaning away from the south wall, which required the Euharlee Valley Historical Society at a cost of $276 each for welding services. Windows were also reframed as well.
Several areas of siding needed to be replaced on the south side of the building with Hardy Board Clapboard at $4,800. Additionally, a painting project was completed for $5,000 in March of last year, and the front steps and both front doors were replaced for a cost of $1,000.
“In order to preserve this building of valuable local history, we must continue to preserve and repair this building and grounds,” said Robin Thackston in a press release going over improvements on the church. “A hopeful 2018 project for the group is to have the church bell re-roped for the visitors to enjoy.”
The church is currently being used for weddings of small groups, Bible study groups, Boy Scouts meetings and memorial services.
“We hope to see a spur from the Silver Comet Trail come up to the church in the future,” Thackston said.
Welshfest Heritage Days include events at at Van Wert startting on Friday evening with Hymn Singing beginning at 7 p. m. featuring Scarlett Wool accompanied by pianist Angela Kornich.
Two free buses will be available to bring visitors out to the church on Saturday afternoon for a free program on the history of the church and world renown evangelist Sam Jones.