February 15, 2019

Arch Smith II
State 4-H Leader and Director of 4-H
University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Cooperative Extension

Dear friends,

After a week of reflection concerning the Rock Eagle Chapel, I thought it appropriate to share my thoughts.

Let me begin by letting the many friends and alumni of the University of Georgia 4-H program know that we are grateful for your outpouring of concern and support over the past week. The Chapel is one of the symbolic icons of Rock Eagle 4-H Center. We are thankful that the building was vacant and appreciate the quick response from the Putnam County Fire Department and University officials who are assisting us in the clean-up and remediation of the site.

The Chapel will be repaired. We hope to save the stone walls of the structure and a couple of the windows but will seek the guidance of an engineer for a final determination. The Rock Eagle staff have located the original 1953 blueprints containing detailed information, including the variety of woods used, which will allow a reconstruction as close to the original as possible.

There are insurance funds available, but additional funds will be needed. It will take several weeks to complete the assessment for funding needs and a reopening date. Many 4-H friends and donors have already contributed to the renovation fund. We will continue to provide updates on the progress.

Since 1904, Georgia 4-H has been providing safe learning environments that allow children to develop life skills enabling them to become contributing citizens wherever they reside. This was an emotional event for Georgia 4-H, but only a small stumbling block to the resilient 4-H community. We will live up to the 4-H motto and continue “To Make The Best Better.”

Thank you,
Arch