BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The Baldwin County Commission this morning  finalized acceptance of the Historic Montpelier Methodist Church in the Blackshire Community which will be transported to the 19th Century Village at Bicentennial Park on State Road 225.

The Commission also approved $80,000 for the move and has received several thousands of dollars in donations from church groups and individuals to supplement the move.

The church is owned donated by Thomas John Earle.

Commissioner Frank Burt said $80,000 was budgeted for the project, which include Baldwin County Highway Department assistance to construct a slab at the site. He also said $13,000 has been donated and that potential donors were awaiting Commission approval before contributing.

Commissioner Tucker Dorsey cast the lone dissenting vote. Dorsey said the county should wait for firm moving bids before accepting the project.

The church was built in 1895, and is situated near the Thomas John Earle Home on State Highway 59. The church was attended and maintained by the Earle and Bradley families, although it no longer serves an active congregation.

It served as the home of the annual district meetings of the local Methodist churches which were held each fall. While an active church, the congregation was led by the visiting Methodist minister from Stockton who, early on, traveled by horseback to Blacksher to conduct services every other Sunday.

Earle approached the Commission several months ago to preserve the church. Commissioner Charles Gruber earlier said the acceptance and move will ensure “a historical landmark” in Baldwin Count.

Commissioner Frank Burt said the church is an “exquisite example” of 19th century period architecture and still includes its original pews, pulpit, chandeliers and stained glass windows.