From Memory to Image: The Rediscovery of Historic Woolsey Church

From Memory to Image: Our Sign in Front of Historic Woolsey Church

Apr 29, 2026 by FRIENDS OF HISTORIC WOOLSEY

Before the metal sign in front of the church was created, no known photographs of Historic Woolsey Church were available. Its image was preserved only through memories, stories, and oral histories shared by families and longtime residents of Woolsey and Fayette County. These recollections were gathered over time through interviews and conversations, forming a shared but evolving understanding of the church’s appearance. Because of this, the original sign design was created with care using the best available information at the time, based on collective memory rather than a confirmed photograph, as a way to honor and preserve the church’s history.

Everything changed during a presentation by the Friends of Historic Woolsey to the Fayette County Historical Society. When the name Juan Fernandez McLean was mentioned, it sparked a memory for Angela Pendleton, who recalled an archived box labeled with his name. Inside were the long-sought photographs of Historic Woolsey Church, including a treasured image captioned “Dickie & his church.” After years of searching, the church’s image was finally found, made possible by Robert Reeves, whose foresight ensured these materials were preserved and donated for future generations.

The banner you see in front of the church today is designed from that historic photograph, carefully rendered to reflect what has now been recovered. It honors the church and the people who gathered there.

We are deeply grateful to the Fayette County Historical Society for donating the banners to us, a gift that reflects their commitment to preserving local history with care and generosity. We extend special appreciation to Gail Jenkins, whose kindness and dedication brought them to life in place. Her work in installing the banners was done with patience and heart, ensuring they were placed with care and respect for what they represent. That kind of quiet service is a gift to our entire community.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Angela Pendleton and Robert Reeves. Angela’s attentiveness and curiosity helped open the door to discovery, and Robert’s foresight ensured that something so easily lost was instead preserved for generations to come.

Stay tuned for a new metal sign that will soon be installed in front of the church. It will feature the correct historic image of Historic Woolsey Church, restored from the long-lost photograph discovered after years of searching.