Public commenters urge funding to complete Pioneer Church restoration

Public commenters at a July 8, 2026 hearing asked local officials to approve grant funding to complete restoration work at the historic Pioneer Church, saying the project remains unusable until floors, bathrooms, windows and accessibility improvements are finished.

The hearing was convened to receive public comment on a grant application that organizers say would fund architectural preservation, structural repairs and accessibility upgrades. "The proposed project may include architectural preservation, structural improvements, accessibility enhancements, and other restoration activities necessary to preserve the historic integrity and public use of the facility," the Chair said at the start of the session.

Several residents and applicants described how the restored building would be used and why the work is urgent. A public commenter said the church has hosted funerals, weddings, receptions and family reunions in the past and that "we need to finish this project" so the space is usable. Another attendee praised the volunteer committee and urged that the grant "will do that." Commenters emphasized the building’s community role and potential to draw visitors.

Speakers listed outstanding work they say must be done before public use: finishing the floor, completing the water closets (bathrooms), installing or finishing interior walls, replacing windows and providing a minimally functional kitchen. One commenter said, "It's absolutely beautiful," and asked for the project to be completed in time for the building’s 120th anniversary on July 27.

On funding, a presenter asked for the estimated total to complete the project and relayed figures stated by the applicant during the hearing: an estimated total of "2.98," a match of "38" already collected by the church, and a request for "2.60" in grant funds (the transcript did not specify the currency or scale for those numbers). Presenters also said the kitchen is not covered by the grant and that community members have pledged a donated refrigerator and stove and offered to provide countertops and basic under-sink storage.

Commenters described artifacts recovered during cleanup—old newspapers, small glass panes, an intact projector and film snippets credited to "Earl Flynn"—and noted that the museum donated display cases that could be used to protect and exhibit small relics. One attendee urged staff to ensure small items found at the base of the stairs are secured so they are not accidentally removed from the building.

The presenter clarified that there would be no vote at the hearing and that the session was for public comment and to ensure stakeholders are aligned. The Chair closed the hearing after no further comments were offered.

Next steps discussed at the hearing included pursuing the grant application and seeking additional funding sources; if awarded, speakers said the earliest funds would be available October 1, and attendees expressed a goal of completing work before the July 27 anniversary. No formal motions or votes took place at the session.