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→ From the Rockdale Citizen web site – April 8, 2016
Oxford gets needed crosswalk near college
From Staff Reports
news@newtoncitizen.com
Apr 8, 2016
A needed pedestrian crosswalk opened recently in Oxford at the intersection of Ga. Highway 81 (Emory Street) and Hamill Street near Oxford College. The city had laid bricks on Hamill Street and converted it into a pedestrians-only zone for the heavy pedestrian traffic in the area. The crosswalk project was a collaborative effort of Oxford College, the city of Oxford and the Georgia Department of Transportation. (Special Photo)
→ Allen Memorial – And this is from the Oxford College web site on Wednesday.
→ Oxford, Emory maintain history next door
April 12, 2016
Drive or walk toward the Oxford campus on Pierce Street and you’ll notice scaffolding and construction fencing—evidence that a building is getting some maintenance and “TLC”— across from the arched, stone gateway to Oxford College. Emory University is nearing completion of a five-month project to repair the roof and dome on the sanctuary building of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.
Crews have been hard at work repairing portions of the roof system that were damaged over time by leaks. They removed the existing shingled roof, replaced damaged or deteriorated wood components—decking, molding, trim, and structural members—and installed a new shingle roof. Contractors also installed new built-in, copper gutters that will properly drain moisture from the roof and prevent future damage.
The unique relationship between the church and college began in 1910 when Emory College completed construction of the sanctuary building adjacent to campus. The building was named in memory of alumnus Young John Allen, Jr. and became home to Allen Memorial UMC. In 1919, the college moved to Atlanta and was called Emory University but maintained ownership of the building and property that housed the church.
“The church and the college have a long history filled with periods of both groups stepping up to help the other. This project is just one more example of this long standing relationship between the two. Our congregation is appreciative of the work the college has done on the roof as it will help us as we continue our ministry to the Oxford community,” says Rev. Josh Roberts, pastor of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.
The distinctive dome atop the building was also in need of attention in order to be brought back to its original glory. The sheet metal covering the dome was rusted in places and was removed; it was replaced with a coated copper material that is rust-resistant and will maintain its present color. Windows in the dome were restored by the same company that completed the recent, successful Seney Hall and Williams Gymnasium window restoration projects. Finally, the dome and decorative trim will be painted.
“So far the repairs have gone well,” notes Roberts. “The companies doing the repair work have been courteous to our congregation, amending their work schedule to not conflict with church events and they have kept our leadership in the loop with all of their work. In addition, it is clear that they are doing quality work on the roof that will last long into the future.”
There has been a Methodist church on or adjacent to campus since the birth of Oxford College in 1836. Oxford Methodist Church held services in a chapel on campus until 1841 when the “Old Church” building was completed and the congregation moved to that facility. The church’s move to the current Allen Memorial building in 1910 prompted the name change of the church congregation as well as the shift of “Old Church” from a house of worship into more of a community activity building. The congregation completed additions and built new buildings on the current church property throughout the years as needed; including classrooms, pastoral and secretarial offices, a chapel, and the Family Life Center, which houses Lovern Hall, a large gathering space for the congregation that is sometimes also the scene of Oxford College events.
Emory University Campus Services maintains the building and property just as they do academic and other buildings on Oxford’s campus. Working closely with the church council, they are able to perform routine maintenance on the building as well as larger scale renovations or repairs when necessary.
Glenn Kulasiewicz, program manager in the planning, design and construction division of Emory University Campus Services, is managing the project, which is slated to be completed by the end of April.
--Ansley Holder
→ Linemen at work – Our electric lineman have tough job, but generally not as tough as shown on the right from Japan. The monkey had escaped from the zoo and climbed the utility pole. We have squirrels, birds, and spiders, but not monkeys!
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