1867 Quilt

Your assistance is greatly needed to preserve and restore part of our historic past. We are in need of your prayers, your information, and, if possible, your donations to help us preserve our 1867 Quilt. (pictures)

In 1890, our beautiful church, the parsonage and all contents burned! Except for a quilt that was completed in 1867.  Each of the 49 squares on the quilt is worked in applique’ and embroidered with different patterns, including the family surname.  Some of these surnames represent ancestors of not only our present members, but ancestors of our friends and other family members.  Please contact any of the members listed below, or the church, with information.

The Helping Hand Link of the Women’s Ministry has placed this quilt in the hands of Mrs. Jessica Hack, a very reputable Textile Conservator in New Orleans.  You may check her website www.textile-restoration.com for additional information.  Mrs. Hack has provided us with a two-phase proposal:  The first phase will stabilize the quilt and restore it to its beauty.  The second phase will allow the quilt to be displayed in an upright position.

Since the size of the quilt is approximately eight feet square,  we must make some adjustments in the future, but we are hoping to eventually display this quilt in the newly renovated Church Parlor (the only 9-foot wall in our church) for all to see–enclosed in a protective glass case.  What a grand historical addition it would be!!

Our Quilt Fund (approximately $1,000) was activated several years ago for memorials and honorariums, but it has not been publicized for quite some time.  We encourage you to contribute to this fund as much as possible to help us preserve this part of our church’s history. Your check should be made to FUMC Quilt Fund or cash donations designated to the Quilt Fund on the envelope.

HELPING HANDS