Preservation Texas is interested in preserving the Macedonia rock school within the Macedonia community of Linden and is, in fact, granting $50,000 for exterior remodeling toward that end.
Preservation Texas is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting historic resources of Texas, according to its director, Evan Thompson of San Marcos. The rock school is Macedonia's central community building which traces its heritage back to 1942. A previous wooden school goes back to 1927 and even to the 1880's.
"This is a really important building for Linden, Cass County, East Texas and the state," Thompson told seven members of the PT board who had come to inspect and hear about the Macedonia site Saturday.
"It's part of an African-American Freedom Colony," Thompson said. "Freedom colonies were in such neighborhoods that developed after emancipation. With churches and schools organized around places like this, the places and buildings have now become a physical anchor and reminder of the history of Black communities. The last surviving pieces of school campus were here in Linden. So what we are doing is to protect the legacy of this part of Linden and Macedonia for generations to come."
The rock school was one of 11 sites funded this year as an Endangered Place and thus included as part of Texas Rural African-American Heritage Fund Grants.
"The $50,000 grant which has come to Macedonia is being handled in this manner," Thompson said. "The community will be reimbursed for work that is done. What they are going to do has already been determined and approved. It's going to involve restoring banks of windows, doors and the exterior."
The uniqueness of this building is that it could only have been done here.
"Local materials by local people," Thompson said. "Everything about this building embodies Linden and Cass County. It could only have been built here. The people knew where the rock came from, where and how it was assembled and being built in two parts.
"It represents local architecture and skill. It has a great purpose and function and will look like it did historically.
"It can continue to function, and as people become more interested in historical preservation and heritage tourism, they will want to come see this."
Another part of the project is that the rock school will be listed on the national register of historic places, which is important because grant monies can be awarded through such registers. The Macedonia money, for example, came originally from the National Park Service.
Thomson concluded that PT's next plan for Linden is restoration of the former volunteer fire station.
"Earlier this year, we purchased the volunteer fire department building from the city," Thompson said. "Our plan is to rehabilitate that building and put it back in use. This is our work, what we do. We go out in the community with a fund of money to acquire and rehabilitate buildings that are endangered. Then, they can generate income by either renting or selling."
From the back side of the rock school building in Macedonia, the all-important playground and basketball goal area can be seen and imagined. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
Mason Darrell Barrett, federal administrative judge, tells members of Preservation Texas his memories of the rock school in Macedonia. The group is meeting in what used to be the shop area. It now is a food preparation and serving area. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
Preservation board member Willis Winters of Mineral wells reads the proposed brochure explaining Macedonia’s rock school and its legacy. Mason Barrett is at back. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
The Macedonia rock school will soon look even better, thanks to a $50,000 Preservation Texas grant. (Photo by Neil Abeles)