The Meeting House on the present site was built late in 1882
with financial assistance from the Charleston Fund of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Forty-eight years later, in 1930, the need
for a parsonage became a reality. After the parsonage was completed, the first Sunday School rooms were added in 1935. Construction
events that occurred to the Nahunta Meeting House in the 1940's are as follows:
- On Mother's Day, 1942, new stained glass windows for the sanctuary
were dedicated. These windows were donated by several families and individuals in memory or in honor of a loved one.
- During 1942 and 1943, electric light fixtures were installed with
a gift from Hubert and Caroline Stephenson, and the inside of the meeting house was redecorated.
- In 1949, an expansive building program began. This included building
a small vestibule on the front and a Sunday School annex to the rear. Russell Stephenson drew the plans and Worth Aycock served
as chairman of the Building Committee. Financial help came again from the Charleston Fund and a contribution from Mr. and
Mrs. Milford Mitchell.
During the 1950's, renovations provided comfort, safety, and
an improved appearance. These included:
- A new heating system for the sanctuary in 1950.
- A fire escape stairway built at the rear of the building in 1953.
- Replacement of the old meeting house floor with hardwood in 1955.
- In 1958, carpet was installed in the sanctuary.
The era of the 1960's saw several projects established for improvement,
such as:
- New pews in 1960 with Clee Davis as head of a fund-raising project
for these.
- An acoustical ceiling for the Sanctuary financed by the youth group
in 1961.
- A choir loft in 1962.
- Addition to the parsonage in 1963.
- A building fund started in 1964 and, under the leadership of James
Ray Johnson as chairperson, a new Sunday School wing built and remodeling completed in 1969. A new heating and cooling system
for the sanctuary installed with electric heaters installed in individual classrooms.
In the 1970's, renovations continued along with steps taken
to accommodate Nahunta's growth. Among the advancements were:
- In 1972, a church marker placed in the front yard in memory of Clee
Davis.
- Carpet put down in the Clee Davis Class by Blanche Davis and children.
- A fresh coat of paint for the parsonage and meeting house.
- Interior remodeling completed in 1973. A new pulpit railing given
by Floyd Edgerton in memory of his wife, Lona Edgerton. Paneling below the chair railing financed by Milo Pierce and Family.
Wallpaper in the sanctuary, stairwell and downstairs hallway financed by the Oland Peele family.
- In 1976, a cement floor was poured in the sanctuary and carpet reinstalled.
- In 1977, work on a Fellowship Hall under the leadership of James Ray
Johnson and J. D. Howard with donations of labor from many other members.
The 1980's provided several achievements for Nahunta. These
accomplishments include the following:
- In 1980, a one-half acre of land behind the meetinghouse purchased;
another acre leased that was later purchased. Pew cushions purchased.
- Sheet rock hung on the walls and ceiling upstairs in 1981. The large
William Penn Classroom renovated by Ralph and Steve Pate into a nursery and a classroom. Improvements to the hallway and men's
rest room.
- A trophy case built by Joe Caughron to house the numerous trophies
won by the men's and women's softball teams through the years in competing with other churches.
- In 1982, ahandicap access built by Charles Ray and Frances Hare with
help from others. Drain tile installed beside the building to help relieve a drainage problem.
- In 1986, a new parsonage with a price tag of only $52,816.65 completed.
Pastor Dale Matthews and family were the first ones to use the new parsonage. One member, Harold Richardson, a contractor
by trade, built the parsonage in just a few months. Meeting house painted and repaired.
- In 1989, window air conditioners given for classrooms by Frances Hare
in memory of Charles Ray Hare.
The most expansive renovation project to date began in the interval
of the 1990's:
- In 1993, a building steering committee was formed and work began in
September. Committee members were: Junior Hawley (Chairman), Larry Pierce, Peter Aycock, Milo Pierce, Gary Radford, Harry
Moen, Jack Caughron, Johnny Howard, and Steve Lawrence (pastor). The contract was awarded to Best Contracting Company, of
Goldsboro,
NC, with Gregory Nichols (a resident of the Nahunta Community) in charge of the
work. Gregory was interested in preserving the integrity of the building, and planning was done on this basis. They started
by tearing down the old vestibule and steps and building a new structure with a large greeting area, men's and ladies' rest
rooms with handicap accessibility, a corner for the sound system, and coat racks. The ground was built up and sloping walkways
poured so that there are no steps to the front entrance, and anyone can walk or roll in without difficulty.
- The renovation of the building included: new walls to combat moisture
in the sanctuary, indirect lighting, new carpet throughout all downstairs areas, new paint on the walls, fluorescent lighting
in all areas. Following suggestions of Gregory Hare, the middle aisle of the sanctuary was enlarged and spaces were left open
for wheelchairs. A large carport was built outside the fellowship hall door and an additional access ramp was poured for easier
accessibility. New heating and air conditioning systems were installed for the sanctuary, all classrooms, and halls. In addition
many other repairs and installations were made.
The renovation project was completed in March, 1994. A dedication
service was held on Sunday, May 22, 1994, at 4:00 p.m. to honor and give thanks to God for the work.
In 1997, men of the Aldon Gurley class painted and installed
new carpet to the upstairs hallway and classrooms. The class also added venetian blinds and new curtains, along with providing
decorations to enhance the appearance of the classrooms.
After completing this project, the men of the Aldon Gurley class
decided to meet once a month, inviting other men of the meeting, to plan other work which they have accomplished, such as
washing down the parsonage, repairing and cleaning windows, and other ongoing needs of the meeting and community.