Friends and Family for Center

FIRST ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

On February 22, 2002 the first meeting to preserve Center Church was held. We were accompanied by the experienced team of Preservation North Dakota, led by Mr. Dale Bently the Executive Director. He filled us in with the possibilities of what to do to save Center Church. Along with an educational speech of what Preservation North Dakota is about and how they can help, Mr. Bently had an impressive slide show on his laptop computer of other churches.

We walked away that evening with a strong feel of support from the Preservation North Dakota team. They spoke of matching funds that we may qualify for in our preservation

Along with tons of information we received, I have plenty forms to fill out to start the incorporation efforts. Incorporation of a non profit organization is one way to band together as one to help save Center Church.

One other aspect of the evening was to get Center Church on the National Register of Historic Places. One person can nominate the church to apply for this national recognition. I plan on taking it upon myself to nominate Center.

INCORPORATION OF NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

It sounds like a lot, and it is. This is where we need your help. To incorporate a non profit organization, we need a board of directors. We also need to be recognized be the state, decide on a name, specify a propose, decide on solicitation and hold meetings. We also need to decide on if we should become a local affiliate of the Preservation North Dakota organization.

We would benefit from there expertise and there opportunities they could offer. Not only is it a larger voice on preservation issues, but the benefit from advice and advocacy would be priceless.

I would like to set the next meeting for March 3, 2002 at Center Church at 3:00 pm.