Friends of Historic Woolsey

Preserving Woolsey's Story, Together

RAISE THE ROOF: A CELEBRATION OF OUR NEW CEDAR ROOF

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Banner for Raise the Roof Event

Please save the date for the Raise the Roof Celebration: May 2, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join us for refreshments, family fun, history, and a silent auction as we celebrate the new cedar shingle roof. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media and website for updates as the celebration approaches.

The roof of Historic Woolsey Church has ungone many changes over the years, while each change faithfully protecting this treasured landmark. Originally covered with cedar shingles, one can only imagine the excitement of the people of Woolsey in 1888–1889 as they built and dedicated the church, a pride we share today as we celebrate a new roof on the historic church.

Historic restoration requires careful planning. A great deal goes on behind the scenes, from hiring an architect and contractor to coordinating fundraising. We are thrilled to have Greg Jacobs of Landmark Preservation providing expert guidance and careful oversight throughout the project.

Over the years, it became evident that a new roof was needed, and replacing it was included in our restoration plans for the historic church. Mother Nature ultimately decided the timing for us. In late 2024 and early 2025, powerful storms caused additional damage, making the need even more urgent. The new cedar shingle roof is partially funded by grants from the 1772 Foundation,  the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Clothes Less Traveled, and the Fayette County Development Authority in partnership with the Town of Woolsey, as well as to our generous friends and supporters, for their steadfast and ongoing support.

We invite you to join us on this meaningful journey. Restoring Historic Woolsey Church is truly a community endeavor, made possible through the generosity of donors, local businesses, families, and friends who care deeply about preserving this cherished landmark. Every gift, no matter the size, plays an important role in protecting this special part of Woolsey’s history for generations to come.

Click to see the Items for Silent AuctionCheck back frequently for updated items!


Ways to Support and Recognition Opportunities

Click the thumbnail images below to view the full-size gallery.

Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2019
Photo by Jenny Burdette © 2021
Before Storm Damage Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2024
Greg Jacobs and Ellie Isaacs with Landmark Photo by Jamie Lovett ©2024
Darryl Hicks with the  FCDA Presents Matching Grant Funds to Mayor Laggis and the Town of Woolsey on March 25, 2024 Photo by Katie Quattlebaum
Photo by Dana Sams after first storm ©2024
Roof damage Photo by Jack Morris March 2025
Covering the damage, keeping our space safe Photo by Pam Laggis ©2025
Photo by Pam Laggis ©2025
Photo by Gary Laggis ©2025
Thank you to the 1772 Foundation and the Georgia Trust Image Courtesy of the Georgia Trust ©2025
Social Media - Save the Date!
Social Media - Invitation
Flyer for May 2, 2026 Raise the Roof Celebration
Removing the Steeple Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Steeple Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Steeple Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Steeple Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
6 Layers of Roof Ready to be removed Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Roof Layers Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Roof Layers Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Roof Layers Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
1889 Cedar Roof Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Roof Layers Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Roof Layers Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Attic Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Skip Sheathing Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Getting Ready for the Rain Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Thank you to Clothes Less Traveled for a 2026 Grant!
Thank you to Clothes Less Traveled for a 2026 Grant! Photo Courtesy of Clothes Less Traveled
Starting the new roof!  Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026
Starting the new roof!  Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026
Cedar Shingles Going Up!  Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Getting there!  Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
One side finished!  Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Beautiful view of the roof!  Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Landmark Preservation working on roof Photo by Dana Sams © 2026
Getting close!  Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
This side is finished! Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Raise the Roof Celebration Photo by Cindy Griffin
Raise the Roof Celebration Photo by James Lovett © 2026
Silent Auction
Silent Auction
Silent Auction
Silent Auction
Jamie Lovett Getting ready for Silent Auction Photo by Fletcher Sams
One of a kind Historic Woolsey cookies made and crafted by Artist Sara Kate Sams Otero

Photo by Cindy Griffin
Thank you to Artist Sara Kate Sams Otero! We love the cookies!


Photo by Cindy Griffin
Mayor Ron Smith - Welcome!

Photo by Fletcher Sams
Pastor Steven Chambers Woolsey Baptist Church - Dedication and Prayer

Photo by Fletcher Sams
Woolsey Baptist Church Singers

Photo by Cindy Griffin
Dana Sams - Celebration!

Photo by Cindy Griffin
Reagan and Allen Moscon - Popping Popcorn

Photo by Fletcher Sams
Reagan and Allen Moscon - Popping Popcorn

Photo by Cindy Griffin
Echo of Zion
Photo by Fletcher Sams
Inman Methodist Singers

Photo by Karen Mathiak
Dana Sams introducing Mrs. Jessie Price, soloist, Rising Star

Photo by Fletcher Sams
Southern Cresent Crooners

Photo by Reagan Moscon
Ryan Arvay with 1889 cedar shingles Photo by Jamie Lovett
Ryan Arvay getting ready to talk about our restoration

Photo by Cindy Griffin
Attendees at Raise the Roof Celebration inside the church to hear about our work

Photo by Chrystal Butts
Attendees at Raise the Roof Celebration inside the church to hear about our work

Photo by Chrystal Butts
Attendees at Raise the Roof Celebration inside the church to hear about our work

Photo by Chrystal Butts
Richard McLean and Jamie Lovett deciding which window

Photo by Ryan Arvay
Ryan Arvay explaining the size and history of the windows (Pictured also is Richard's granddaughter Erin).

Photo by Jamie Lovett
Richard and daughter Margie McLean

Photo by Jamie Lovett
Richard McLean next to his window that his daughter Margie dedicated to him.

Photo by Ryan Arvay
Richard McLean and Karen Mathiak
Richard McLean and Cemetery Chair Teresa Roby

Photo by Ryan Arvay
Mr. Jamie Lovett and Sara Kate Sams
Photo by Cindy Griffin
Thank you 4imprint for our t-shirts!  Photo Courtesy of Teresa Roby