It's hard to believe that any building could ever look the same as it did in the late 1800's, but one church in Lerna is defying all the odds.
Off the road and nestled behind some trees, lies a church with no address, and a rich history dating back to the late 1800's.
"The land was donated, and it was donated to be a cemetery from a family. Then it became a community cemetery and then not long after that a church was built," Said Kathy Babbs a member on the Board of Representatives.Â
"We've been able to keep it up and keep it as close as possible to the way it was originally set up to be. Even though the church is not being used, we are trying to keep the historical significance the same," added Kathy.Â
She remembers the church when it was more than just an empty building.
"Actually I'm one of the last ones that went to the Sunday school. We quite having Sunday school in the middle 60's," remembered Kathy.Â
The church was a Methodist and organized in 1858. In 1959 the church split, But continued holding Sunday school till 1967
"The church split over the fact that there wasn't enough money to build a bathroom."
The cemetery has graves dating back the 1840's. With many unmarked headstones remaining there today.
"We do have a good share of war veterans that are from here. From 1812 WW1 WW2 IÂ think we have 24 civil war burials," said Kathy.Â
In the 1940's the grave yard was considered full now only a few saved spots are available.. And must be approved by the board of trustees...
"This cemetery and this church has touched a lot of lives, and we just hope to keep the memories there.Â
 a small group with hopes of keeping the church and its memories alive. If you would like to keep up with the churches efforts you cant visit their Facebook page by clicking here.Â
