Chestnut Creek Heritage Chapel is gearing up for Cooper Cousins Heritage Day on April 9.

“This is really a time for everyone in the community to come out and celebrate the new roof being put on at Chestnut Creek Heritage Chapel,” Chapel secretary Ola Taylor said. “Cooper Cousins is sponsoring it, but it is definitely a celebration for everyone.”

Chestnut Creek Heritage Chapel became a non-profit organization in 2014 for the purpose of preserving Chestnut Creek Baptist Church, located in the Cooper Community near Verbena.

The church building was built in 1925, and the group is working to restore the church for the community to be able to use for various programs, singings and reunions and a site for historical information.

Most recently, the group worked to raise money to purchase a roof for the building, and Taylor said as of Wednesday, the roof repairs were completed.

The event on April 9 will help fund expenses for maintenance of the building including electricity, water and other repairs.

Taylor said the event begins at 10 a.m. with an old-fashioned congregational singing, which should last until noon.

There will be dinner on the grounds from noon until 1:30 p.m. with pre-ordered barbecue plates served, or individuals can bring a picnic lunch to eat.

Taylor said most of the pre-ordered lunches have already been sold, but there are still a few available.

Pre-ordered lunches include a plate consisting of barbecue pork or chicken and a choice of two sides, drink and dessert.

The desserts are being made by members of Cooper Cousins, Taylor said.

Horse and buggy rides (weather permitting) will also be available, and a history-making group photo will be taken at 1:30 p.m.

A Gospel singing will begin at 2 p.m. featuring Prestige Southern Gospel Quartet and Southland.

“The schedule is very flexible for those interested in attending,” Taylor said. “There might be some people who would like to come for the morning portion and leave, or there may be some people who would like to come and stay. We are hoping the events for the day will provide a schedule though for people to come and go as they please. We are so happy with the weather forecast and hope it will be a wonderful day.”

For more information about the event, contact Taylor at (205) 217-9466 or visit Chestnut Creek Heritage Chapel on Facebook.

The chapel is located at 11975 County Road 24 in Verbena.