Celebrating 200 Years

By Kenneth Akers

As many of you already know, Master’s Men began restoring the old Ridge Church in 2007. Since that time, we have painted the outside three times, replaced the roof, painted the inside, and reinforced the foundation. You may also be aware that First FWB Church of New Durham, New Hampshire, in 2019 deeded the church and property to North American Ministries to ensure the historic building will forever be part of the Free Will Baptist legacy.

Since the beginning of the restoration project, we have been patching the bell tower structure. While we were able to stop the water intrusion that had been occurring for decades, we were only able to put a band-aid on the damaged posts. Due to the sheer size of the beams and the extent of needed equipment, this was beyond our ability. At this point, we can no longer wait to do something. The structure is beginning to lean ever so slightly (pictured).

We have contracted a local construction company in New Hampshire to complete the restoration. The total cost for the repair is $131,000. Thanks to a grant from Free Will Baptist Foundation, a gift from the Church Extension Loan Fund, along with several private gifts, we currently have $68,000 toward this project. We must now raise the balance. The project is set to be finished May 2020, just in time for the bicentennial celebration of the building.

Construction on the church began in 1818 and was completed in 1819. Due to the need for repair of the bell tower, we chose to celebrate the bicentennial celebration in 2020. On June 20-21, 2020, we will join Pastor Jim Nason and the congregation of First FWB Church of New Durham for their homecoming celebration. More details will be forthcoming throughout the year, and Free Will Baptists across the denomination are invited to attend. Visit www.fwbmastersmen.org for more details.

About the Writer: Kenneth Akers is director of Free Will Baptist Master’s Men and CFO for North American Ministries. Visit www.fwbnam.com.