SC church reopens after extensive renovation

STATEBURG, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina church that was closed for nearly a decade is holding a homecoming service to celebrate the endurance of both faith and architecture.

The (Columbia) State reported (http://bit.ly/pQEYNa) that the Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg will hold the service Sunday. Members say the 70 people who regularly worship at the churhc were certain it would be restored, even though it needed more than $2 million in repairs. Termite damage had started inside the walls and crept into the wood structure that holds up the soaring roof.

The 18-month restoration required craftspeople in carpentry, plaster casting, faux painting and tile making.

The church paid for the restoration with a $1.5 million anonymous donation, a grant and fundraising such as bake sales.