To the editor:
Dunagan is “an aging wooden church nestled among a few once majestic oak trees,” according to Sybil Tate, a faithful friend of Dunagan for many years. The church, located in Rocky Face, is a symbol of the past. Since the mid 1800s people have experienced Sunday school, preaching, singings, revivals, boxed dinner auctions and picnics. Countless people accepted Jesus as Savior in this little country church. Each family attending down through history has a memory to share. And the children of those earlier days can recount their own special stories of fun times frolicking in the church yard, or possibly having been taken outside for a spanking due to misbehavior during worship services. The church sits idle now. It’s quiet except for services held on rare occasions by different groups. It’s been a long time since the families of Dunagan gathered for a worship service or homecoming.
Even though the church remains in the hearts of many, we may have forgotten that the church requires support to continue to exist. Maybe we need to be reminded of the necessity of basic maintenance and the need for funds to pay annual insurance premiums. This letter serves as our reminder.
It’s time to share the need with families and friends who appreciate the significance of Dunagan Church. The church fund has approximately $150 remaining after recent payment of the annual insurance premium. It’s important to note that Dunagan Cemetery funds must be maintained separately and use of these funds is restricted to cemetery needs. Cemetery funds can never be co-mingled with church funds to meet church needs. Therefore, we must replenish church funds. If Dunagan Church has a special meaning to you and you would like to make a contribution, you may mail your check to the attention of Carolyn Lewallen, 424 LaFayette Road, Rocky Face, GA 30740. If you have questions regarding Dunagan Church or Dunagan Cemetery, you may contact Carolyn at 706-673-4996.
Mrs. Tate commented a few years back, “Dunagan Church stands as a symbol of the past within whose walls people of all faiths can come together to worship.” The comments remain true today. Let’s make sure Dunagan Church is still there each and every time folks want to gather in the future. The church is non-denominational and is made available for community use.
Kim Pickens, Secretary
Dunagan Committee
