What a Difference a Day Makes: Chestnut Grove Baptist Church

The Chestnut Grove Gang

Contractor Kenny Williams and others from the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Earlysville, VA realized something had to be done to help the people of the coast affected by Katrina. A fifth-generation builder, Kenny’s Great-great-grandfather has 19 sons - all in construction. Knowing he had a church filled with caring people, Kenny made contact with another church in Georgia who planned to come to Pearlington.

In the week I was there myself, I watched their miracle unfold. It was quite astounding and typical of what a small and dedicated group, with at least one skilled construction leader, can accomplish even in that short a period of time. Each of them worked exceptionally hard; always pleasant and good-natured, always ready to serve (and to be served....dinner).

I chose three projects on which they worked. On a tour with Charlie Holmes of CBF the weekend they arrived, I photographed the state of the constructions of the three homes. Returning the following Friday, I was struck by how much got done and took more photos.

I present one of them below; before and after:

The Bazor Home....

Kenny says, "We enjoyed it all a lot and a lot got done. We want to let the people of Pearlington know that there’s a lot of people out there who care. I think we’ll be back."

We hope so, too. Cheers for Chestnut Grove. They really know how to ‘git ‘er done!’