PITCHER – The long vacant, 1833 North Pitcher Church now sports a new roof over the sanctuary area, thanks to the successful fundraising efforts and volunteer work crews of the North Pitcher Community Heritage Society, Inc.

The steeple and roof over the entryway are yet to be replaced, and updated wiring and plumbing work is planned for later, but fundraising efforts and volunteer hours donated to preserve the village’s landmark have exceeded expectations thus far. A chicken and biscuit dinner hosted last weekend drew 200 people, helping the group raise, in part, a total of nearly $16,000 to date.

“It’s amazing how positive the response has been from our little community (pop. 803) and the surrounding communities,” said David Loomis, president of the Society and next door neighbor of the structure located on state Highway 26. Loomis and his wife, Kai, began the organization and refurbishing effort in late August. “We raised enough for the new roof in two weeks,” David said.