Cars and coffee at Glebe Episcopal

Published 8:07 pm Saturday, August 20, 2016

Glebe Episcopal Church attracted car enthusiasts from near and far on Saturday morning. More than 30 people gathered for the church’s second Cars, Cycles, Songs and Coffee event of the year.

An array of antique Fords, Mercedes-Benzes, Chevrolets and other car models graced the front lawn. The car owners milled around and shared the features and history of their respective vehicles.

“People like to show off their cars,” said Philip Ford, senior warden of the church’s vestry.

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Art Latimer, owner of a 1949 green Ford pickup truck, said his father passed it down to him.

“He was proud of the truck,” Latimer said. “It’s pretty sharp.”

Attendees could also enjoy free coffee and purchase sausage biscuits. All proceeds from the benefit will go toward fixing the church’s roof.

Daughters of the King, a local gospel group, performed several songs. The group has sung at retirement homes and at churches around the area.

Glebe Church, originally constructed in 1738, has not had its roof replaced in more than a century, according to Tom Dawson, chairman of the church’s building and preservation committee.

“A lot of people think it’s a museum and don’t realize it’s an active church,” said Andrea Brazil, a member of the church’s vestry.

Currently, the roof foundation is rotting, which has caused it to leak. However, since the church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, potential roof repairs must follow strict guidelines, according to Dawson.

The new roof, along with some additional expected renovations will cost the church about $100,000, members estimate, so they began holding various community outreach programs and fundraisers. So far, the church has raised nearly half of the required funds.

Saturday’s Cars, Cycles, Songs and Coffee event raised a bit more than $230.

“We are all very pleased with the participation,” Dawson said. “Everyone has been encouraging us to keep it going.”