Janisse Ray, a well-known author and environmental advocate from South Georgia, is making waves again, but this time, it’s not with a book. Ray has dedicated herself to an important cause close to her heart – the restoration of the historic Cedar Grove Methodist Church in Tattnall County. This church, a symbol of the community’s deep roots, has been saved by Janisse’s hard work, love, and dedication. Along with her husband, Raven Waters, she now owns the church and continues to restore it with a passion that has inspired many.
A Labor of Love: Cedar Grove’s Revival
Janisse Ray is no stranger to taking on big projects that benefit the environment and her community. For years, she has written thoughtful books that raise awareness about the fragility of nature, always encouraging others to take action. This same spirit has been present in her approach to the Cedar Grove Methodist Church.
The church, built many years ago, had fallen into disrepair. But Janisse’s vision for its future never wavered. She started by raising funds and searching for skilled carpenters and artisans to bring the church back to life. It was a massive task, but one that she took on with incredible determination.
As a board member, I had the honor of working alongside Janisse on this project. However, it was her leadership and tireless effort that truly made this dream a reality. Through her hard work, Cedar Grove Church is now on its way to becoming a preserved historic landmark, providing a place for the community to gather and celebrate together.
A Setback: Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Just as the restoration was nearing completion, Hurricane Helene made its way through Tattnall County in September 2024. The storm caused significant damage in the area, and Cedar Grove was not spared. Javier Ramos, a craftsman working on the church, had just completed the final touches on the exterior when the hurricane struck.
In a personal reflection shared on her Substack account, Janisse described the emotional toll of surveying the damage: “Surveying the damage after a hurricane is like waking up after surgery. You’re bleary-eyed and half crazed, but you’ve got to see what’s forever gone…” But despite the devastation, Janisse found that the damage was relatively minor. A few trees were knocked down, and there were some holes in the roof, but thanks to the support of many generous people, the church was quickly repaired.
Community Support and Restoration Efforts
One of the most moving aspects of the Cedar Grove restoration is the community involvement that has surrounded it. After the storm, Janisse didn’t waste time. She immediately set about raising funds to clear the fallen trees and complete the remaining repairs. The church received much-needed support, including a new roof that cost $12,000, handmade windows crafted by an 80-year-old carpenter, and a new pulpit. Every repair had a story behind it, reflecting the shared effort of many people who wanted to see Cedar Grove preserved.
The roof repair was featured in a special segment on Georgia Public Broadcasting, titled “A Roof for Cedar Grove.” It highlighted the efforts made to restore the church and the community’s dedication to preserving its legacy.
A Celebration of Music and Heritage
On December 14, 2024, Janisse hosted a fundraising event at Red Earth Farm to celebrate the progress made in restoring the church. The event included a lunch and a live concert held inside Cedar Grove Church itself. The concert featured Walter Parks, a musician who once toured with the legendary Richie Havens. Parks’ band, Swamp Cabbage, accompanied him, bringing a special touch of music to this historic church.
Janisse had learned about Walter’s music through a New York Times article, which highlighted his use of sounds from the Okefenokee Swamp in his songs. This resonated with Janisse, who has long advocated for the swamp and its cultural significance. The collaboration seemed fitting, as both Janisse and Walter are deeply connected to the natural beauty and folklore of South Georgia.
Inspiration and a Growing Community
The Cedar Grove project is more than just about restoring a building – it’s about preserving heritage and creating a space where people can come together. Janisse’s vision has brought new life to Cedar Grove Methodist Church, and the community in Tattnall County is stronger for it.
Her work continues to inspire others in her community and beyond. “I’m constantly inspired by Janisse Ray,” said one local resident. “She has a way of bringing people together and creating something meaningful. She’s given us a place to gather and celebrate our shared history.”
As the restoration continues, Cedar Grove Methodist Church stands as a testament to what can happen when passion, dedication, and community spirit come together. For Janisse Ray, it’s more than just a project – it’s a mission to ensure that the cultural and natural beauty of South Georgia is preserved for future generations.
(Source: vanishinggeorgia.com)
