Collins Academy

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A Recently Found Artifact

While moving heavy equipment involved in the roof replacement, UMBC restoration workers inadvertently uncovered an historic Caddo Indian artifact next to the sanctuary. It was a surface find exposed by abrasion and erosion in an area that has revealed similar artifacts according to an informant.

This 4 cm by 3 cm stone object is made of local chert and has been “worked” to produce a cutting edge for scrapping and slicing.

Chert is a sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline silicon dioxide. It breaks with a conchoidal fracture, often producing very sharp edges. Early people took advantage of how chert breaks and used it to fashion cutting tools and weapons. The name “flint” is also used with this material. The rock may have come from the river below the site and was conveniently knapped to separate hide from the meat of the kill when needed.

The site where the sanctuary stands shows evidence of having been a campsite for Native Americans some time before the removal of the Caddo Indians to Oklahoma.

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UMBC Roof Replaced

Bent rafters which had to be replaced

Within the Union Missionary Baptist Church (UMBC) restoration process is an initial discovery step where current conditions are examined. Much of the inquiry into the roof’s condition detected deteriorated lumber requiring limited repair and copious replacement. Rafters and joists were broken, bent, or rotten while the decking was warped and rotten.

New roof joists going in at UMBC

Our careful work crew was extremely meticulous to repair and leave good materials in place when found. “The new joists, decking, and singles make the roof better than ever,” said general contractor Danny Hurt. Old materials removed in previous roofing jobs were discovered in the attic continuing the story of re-purpose, reuse, and make do with what is at hand.

New roof with green shingles finished

The earliest congregation associated with the UMBC dates back to the early 1840’s. The property was donated to local slaves then to allow them their own place of worship in town. The first structure was erected by 1847. Unfortunately due to racial tension, the church became a target by the Knights of the Rising Sun. In 1868, after several attempts to destroy the church, unfortunately the KRS was successful in burning the church. It wouldn’t be until 1883 that the church would be deeded back to the congregation, and the current structure was built. Services at the UMBC continued until 1996, with on final service led by Rev. Al Green in 2011.