POKAGON — A local historic site is nearing the final stage of its restoration, and is asking the community to help it get there.

The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc. is currently seeking donations of 3-inch to 8-inch fieldstone for the next phase of the restoration of the historic church. The fieldstones will be used to replace the stonework on the exterior of the new concrete foundation of the building.

“This will just make the building look the way it did in 1913,” said Bob Shaffer, president of the Old Rugged Cross Foundation. “This is for appearance, and after this is done, the building will be completed.”

The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont St., Pokagon, Michigan, is the site where the final version of popular hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” was first performed by a choir of five in 1913. On the national register of historic places, the site offers tours of its museum by appointment free of charge.

For the last 20 years, The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, Inc. has been restoring and preserving the building to its original 1913 state. The fieldstone project will be the final phase of the restoration, expected to be completed next year.

The building was bought in 1998 by husband and wife duo Bob and Molly, treasurer of the foundation.

The couple said they are reaching out to the community for the fieldstone request because they have received support and interest from the community in the past.

“Every time we work on a project, we get people coming to us saying they wish they had known, so they could have helped,” Molly said. “So, we thought that this time, we would ask first before we purchase.”

“We thought if there are people looking to get rid of [fieldstone], particularly farmers or people who might come across it easily that they might want to give it to us,” Bob added.

With the fieldstone project being the final phase of the church’s restoration, the Shaffers said they are excited to finally see the project through after 20 years of work.

“I would do it again tomorrow, but it has been a long phase,” Bob said. “It has been a wonderful project.”

The Shaffers added that they believe completing the restoration of The Old Rugged Cross Church is an important venture that adds value to the community.

“It’s important not only for the local community, but it is important for the world,” Bob said. “This is a very historic site that means a lot to so many people.”

“We have people from all over come and many say that ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ was a parent’s favorite hymn or a grandparent’s favorite,” Molly added. “Everyone seems to have some kind of connection to that hymn. We are trying to preserve the history of the building, the history of the hymn and to keep the old hymns alive. … We are trying to put Pokagon on the map.”

Anyone with 3-inch to 8-inch fieldstone who is willing to donate to The Old Rugged Cross can contact The Old Rugged Cross Foundation via email at orcf@aol.com, or by calling Molly Shaffer at (269) 362-4347.