Summary of Dec. 8, 2005 meeting
Friends of Coleman-Leigh-Warren Cemetery
Summary of Organizational Meeting
Friends of Coleman-Leigh-Warren Cemetery (FCLWC)
Thursday, December 08, 2005
There were 15 people present for the Friends of Coleman-Leigh-Warren Cemetery organizational meeting. It was
a first time face-to-face meeting for most who attended. Everyone enjoyed learning something about the personal
connections that were represented in the room. Many others who were out of town or ill and could not attend the
meeting, renewed their support and commitment to the project by phone or e-mail.
FCLWC Coordinator, Brad Cunningham delivered a presentation that solved some of the mysteries surrounding
who is buried in the cemetery.
Erick Montgomery was an excellent spokesperson for Historic Augusta, Inc. and encouraged FCLWC to move
forward with action relative to the restoration and maintenance of the cemetery property. His personal experience
and anecdotes were inspiring and his challenge to remain faithful to maintaining integrity in the historical
preservation process were challenging.
Christine Neal from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Historic Preservation Division,
delivered an informative, eye-opening presentation that challenged the group to take into consideration many
factors that are critical to the integrity of preserving historic cemeteries. Her wealth of knowledge and experience
stemming from fielding calls related to the historic preservation of cemeteries all over the state, was extremely
valuable.
Erick and Christine’s presence throughout the entire meeting along with Dr. Christopher Murphy from Augusta
State University Department of History, Anthropology and Philosophy, was like having three St. Bernard
rescue dogs standing by to come to the rescue whenever we got in a jam or were headed down the wrong road.
Their counsel to our group proved to be a priceless, positive contribution.
All of the descendants and guests who attended contributed to the discussion and much good came of our meeting.
Action decisions
- Members of Friends of Coleman-Leigh-Warren Cemetery will present themselves to the public, neighboring
property owners and City government in a positive spirit seeking friends for our cause.
- Brad Cunningham will continue to serve as the coordinator for Friends of Coleman-Leigh-Warren Cemetery.
- Three descendants will serve in an official capacity yet to be determined, awaiting a point and time when
and if Friends of Coleman-Leigh-Warren Cemetery is incorporated as a non profit corporation.
- It was agreed that an overture be made to an Augusta-Richmond County area non-profit organization to
oversee the disbursement of funds collected by FCLWC until the time it becomes necessary to incorporate
as a 501 (c) (3) non profit corporation.
- It was agreed that the services of an attorney be retained for the purpose of clarifying the descendants'
legal rights to the property in order to achieve the objectives outlined in restoration plan.
- It was agreed that the services of Chicora Foundation, Inc. be engaged to draw up a plan for the
restoration and long-term maintenance and security of the cemetery, pending the availability of funds.
News reported
A land surveyor is in the process of completing a new survey with plat.
It was announced that on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 8, WRDW Ch. 12 News, reported that the
cemetery was being relocated. This information is NOT true. What IS true is that artifacts, granite pieces and brick
that was moveable, has been removed to a safe location awaiting restoration.
The meeting started and ended on time
A big Thank-You to Alice Walker, Sarah Ingram and the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library
Headquarters staff for their wonderful hospitality.
Also a big Thank-You to the Girl Scout Council of Northwest Georgia, Inc. that made the laptop and projector
equipment available for the PowerPoint presentation.
