Norbord, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels in Jefferson, Texas, and 17 other national and international locations, has stepped up to help with the restoration of the historic Union Missionary Baptist Church located in Jefferson, Texas. By donating five units of oriented strand board materials for use in various aspects of the renovation, Norbord will assist in making the structure stronger than it has ever been and help it to meet museum standards for atmospheric controls. Leta Kay, marketing coordinator for Collins Academy said, “The completion of the church is a priority for Collins Academy, and the generous donation by Norbord improves prospects for a quicker and better result.” Richard Collins, founder of the academy said, “The donation by our corporate neighbor, Norbord, will help immensely. When the project is completed, it will enhance ongoing tourism development in Jefferson and we encourage other businesses and individuals to join in to help see the project to completion.”
“We are very grateful to the Norbord team and their solid commitment to community service and involvement,” said Gary Endsley, director of Collins Academy. “We’ve been fully engaged with the steps in this process since early spring with asbestos and lead paint abatement, demolition of the 1950’s annex, archaeological investigations of the back yard and area under the annex, and leveling and foundation repairs. What once had a noticeable lean, is now stand-ing straight and tall.” The church was constructed and dedicated as Missionary Baptist in 1883.
According to Danny Hurt, our general contractor, the Norbord product will be used to make the finished structure stronger and more air tight for a better controlled environment. “With the foaming that this will facilitate, the building will be tighter, more rigid, the flooring will be sealed and supported better, and long-term maintenance will cost less” he said.
Jim Frazier, General Manager at the Jefferson plant said, “We are very pleased and proud to be able to aid in the restoration of the old Union Missionary Baptist Church, which is being converted into a community heritage center in Jefferson. Our commitment to this project is an extension of our shared values and beliefs as a company. We at Norbord have deep ties to this region and are very much appreciative of the history that surrounds us.” David Golden, Human Resources Manager, who visited the church earlier this summer said, “the preservation of the church, one of the oldest African-American church structures known to still exist in Texas, is a particularly incredible venture that fits in with our culture and our values at Norbord. This project will benefit the entire community and bring early Texas history to life for all to see. Being a good community citizen is something that we firmly believe in. We delight in being able to contribute to this worthy restoration project.”
Norbord employees over 100 team members from Jefferson and the surrounding area. For additional information regarding Norbord and their product line, please view www.norbord.com. To view the progress of Union Missionary Baptist Church and Collins Academy, please see www.collinsacademy.com.
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