This summer when Closer Walk Baptist Church was burned in what investigators determined was a case of arson, church members vowed that they would rebuild. And while they are almost there, the church is about $20,000 short of finishing the project.

The Rev. Doug Cockerham said that when the church burned in July, the blaze gutted everything but the walls. Authorities have fingered local teens in the fire which began in a bathroom in the early morning hours of July 26.

“What little insurance we had has brought us this far. But now we are at a stand-still without more money,” Cockerham said.

The church, which has between 35 to 50 members, was originally built in 1953. Cockerham has been preaching there for 17 years.

Steve Golding, a general contractor for Discount Builders & Supply of Pilot Mountain, has been working with Cockerham trying to get the church built with as much quality as possible, but he has also had to deal with getting the building done with limited funds.

Right now the church needs paint, and other materials, as well as services from plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Cockerham said one man has offered to do the painting for free, but he still needs to pay for the paint. Carpet has been donated, but they still need to have it installed. Golding and Cockerham hope that by getting the word out some trades people will volunteer to help out the church.

“But what they need most of all is money,” Golding said.

The church has already received some pretty substantial donations such as an organ, a piano and pews. Samco Construction of King supplied workers who hung dry wall. Paul Green at Lowe’s hardware loaned the church an insulation blower and Cooke Rentals has been donating to the effort as well.

The church now holds services at the Franklin Ruritan Building, which is letting them use for free.

“I would like to put out a call for help asking for businesses, other churches and individuals to come out to help get this project finished,” said Golding. “This would be an excellent tax write off for businesses. It would mean so much to these church members and to this community to see this church open its doors again.”

To contact Doug Cockerham, call his cell at 326-6169 or his home at 789-4131.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.