In the summer of 2011, restoration began on the old stone church on the west side of the Town of Pocahontas, VA. Countless volunteers have worked many hours to restore this old church. Much restoration has been accomplished, but there are still challenges to restoring the church to what it was years ago. It is still a work in progress, and restoration is our goal.

In October 2011, the church was dedicated to the Bobby Shew Community Center.

The goal of the Community Center is to work towards helping – in any way – the people of the Town of Pocahontas, Boissevain, Abbs Valley, Peel Chestnut Mountain, and the surrounding areas. The center will be housing a performing arts center that will provide a functional community center to encourage arts by hosting musical performances, workshops, educational facilities, theater, and gallery space. The center will also be available to the communities to schedule meetings, concerts, plays, youth and children activities, or activities that would benefit the community. The center has partnered with the Town of Pocahontas, Group Cares, and Habitat for Humanity and will continue cultivating these services. Plans include a computer learning center, a pottery-making center, and a food pantry.

With everyone’s continued support, we can be more robust and more effective in our efforts to help each other. The center needs your financial support; no gift is too large or small. We also welcome you to join our all-volunteer team and become an asset to our organization and the surrounding area we serve. Please get in touch with the center if you know of any organization that provides gifts or grants.

We are committed to restoring and improving this old church. You are welcome to come and visit, and we encourage you to join our organization. Come and see how you can become involved in this project.

EVERYBODY CAN DO SOMETHING, AND EVERYBODY CAN HELP. Volunteering your time is very rewarding, and financial support will make this project an asset to our community.