Raise the Roof: A Celebration of Our New Cedar Roof
Sponsor a Shingle for $20.
Banner promoting the Raise the Roof fundraising event in May 2026.
Banner for Raise the Roof Event

Please save the date for the Raise the Roof Celebration: May 2, 2026 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 the thumbnail images below to view the full-size gallery.

Woolsey Baptist Church early roof damage. Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2019
Before big storm roof damage. Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2024
Greg Jacobs and Ellie Isaacs with church behind them. Photo by Jamie Lovett ©2024
Darryl Hicks presents grant check to Mayor Laggis. Photo by Katie Quattlebaum © 2024
Roof damage after first storm. Photo by Dana Sams ©2024
Roof damage after second storm. Photo by Jack Morris March 2025
Covering the damage on the roof. Photo by Pam Laggis ©2025
Temporary covering for damaged roof. Photo by Pam Laggis ©2025
1772 Foundation and the Georgia Trust Image of grant winners. Courtesy of the Georgia Trust ©2025
Save the Date for Raise the Roof
Invitation on social media for Raise the Roof
Flyer for Raise the Roof Celebration
Steeple removal at Historic Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
The steeple being detached from Historic Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the Steeple for the new bell tower. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
6 layers of roof ready to be removed. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Six layers of roofing is being removed. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Removing the roof layers. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
1889 Cedar Roof was still on the church. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Attic of History Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
1889 Skip Sheathing on History Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Getting ready for the rain by placing a big tarp. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Thank you to Clothes Less Traveled for a 2026 Grant. Courtesy of Clothes Less Traveled © 2026
Starting the new roof at Historic Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026
Starting the new roof. Photo Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026
Cedar shingles being carefully installed. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Roof is almost halfway completed. Photo  by Ryan Arvay © 2026
View of the roof at Historic Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Landmark Preservation working on roof. Photo by Dana Sams © 2026
The roof at Historic Woolsey Church is almost up. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Right side of the roof is finished. Photo by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Raise the Roof Celebration. Photo by Cindy Griffin © 2026
Raise the Roof Celebration Event. Photo by James Lovett © 2026
Silent Auction Items to help with the new roof
Patsy Gullett art at the silent auction
Christmas decorations and jewelry at the silent auction
More artwork and quilt at the silent auction
Getting ready for Silent Auction with Jamie Lovett. Photo by Fletcher Sams © 2026
Woolsey Descendant bought art for her home
Historic Woolsey Church cookies made and crafted by Sara Kate Sams. Photo by Cindy Griffin
Thank you to Artist Sara Kate Sams Otero! We love the cookies! by Cindy Griffin
Mayor Ron Smith welcomes everyone. Photo
by Fletcher Sams
Pastor Steven Chambers Woolsey Baptist Church said a Dedication and Prayer. Photo by Fletcher Sams
Woolsey Baptist Church singers at the church. Photo by Fletcher Sams

Photo by Cindy Griffin
Dana Sams celebrating that the day is here. Photo by Cindy Griffin © 2026
Woolsey resident Karen Graiser volunteered at event by Dylan Shoemaker © 2026
Reagan and Allen Moscon are popping popcorn. Photo by Fletcher Sams © 2026
The Echoes of Zion performing at Historic Woolsey Church. Photo
by Fletcher Sams © 2026
Inman Methodist Singers performing at Historic Woolsey Church. Photo
by Karen Mathiak © 2026
Dana Sams introducing Mrs. Jessie Price, soloist, Rising Star. Photo
by Fletcher Sams © 2026
Southern Cresent Crooners performing at Historic Woolsey Church. Photo by Reagan Moscon © 2026
Ryan Arvay with 1889 cedar shingles. Photo by Jamie Lovett © 2026
Ryan Arvay getting ready to talk about the restoration. Photo by Cindy Griffin
Attendees at Raise the Roof Celebration inside the church. Photo by Chrystal Butts © 2026
Richard McLean and Jamie Lovett deciding which window is his. Photo by Ryan Arvay
Ryan Arvay explaining the size and history of the windows. Photo by Jamie Lovett © 2026
Richard McLean at his window that his daughter dedicated to him. Photo by Ryan Arvay 2026
Richard McLean and Karen Mathiak inside Historic Woolsey Church
Richard McLean and Cemetery Chair Teresa Roby at Raise the Roof Event. Photo
by Ryan Arvay © 2026
Volunteers at the Raise the Roof Event. Photo by Cindy Griffin © 2026
Artist Sara Kate Sams Otero face painting!
Coloring the Church. Photo by Dana Sams © 2026
Artwork completed of the church. Photo by Dana Sams © 2026
Listening to the vocal groups. Photo by Cindy Griffin
Volunteers with their 4imprint shirts.  Courtesy of Teresa Roby ©2026
Richard McLean and Erin inside the church. Photo by Erin McLean Hitzeman
Richard McLean and Margie McLean inside the church. Photo by Erin McLean Hitzeman
Inside the church with Ryan Arvay. Photo by Erin McLean Hitzeman
Richard McLean and Steven Chambers inside the church. Photo by Erin McLean Hitzeman
Ryan Arvay Showing the Beam Underneath the church. Photo by Erin McLean Hitzeman
Ryan Arvay explains the work that has been completed. Photo by Patrick Maguire © 2026
Ryan Arvay explaining the roof's cedar shingles. Photo  by Patrick Maguire © 2026
Ryan Arvay's tour inside the historic church. Photo by Patrick Maguire © 2026
Completed Roof of Historic Woolsey Church. Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026
The base of the steeple is completed. Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026
Completed Roof other side of church. Photo by Ryan Arvay ©2026