Built from the funds of a disbanded church in the 1950s, Dunbarton Cottage’s rich history continues to impact children’s dreams with new renovations from Lowe’s Home Improvement.
In June, Lowe’s announced that Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries (CMCM) renovation of the Dunbarton Cottage was one of 100 community projects to be completed this year as part of Lowe’s Hometowns, the company’s largest-ever community impact program.
CMCM used the $110,000 grant to renovate the interior and exterior of Dunbarton Cottage. On Oct. 24 and 25, Lowe’s hosted a “Red Vest Day,” where associates from Lowe’s from Greenwood and surrounding areas volunteered to help finish the final renovations of the cottage.
Dunbarton Cottage, completed in 1953, was originally an infirmary. The building was a gift from the members of Dunbarton Church, which had to disband in 1952 after the Federal Atomic Energy Commission selected the site of the town of Dunbarton and the adjoining area for the location of a Defense Plant.
The church’s members voted to take the proceeds from the sale of their church, totaling $52,750, and use the funds to build Dunbarton Memorial Infirmary. The funds from the sale were presented to CMCM on March 23, 1952.
Guests can see Dunbarton Church memorabilia at the cottage, including an original plaque and communion chalices. While Dunbarton Church has disbanded, its members’ gift continues to impact Connie Maxwell children and their dreams for the future.
Dunbarton Cottage is now a 13-bed, 9-bath guest home that will house volunteers. With over 2,000 volunteers visiting campus each year to work on significant projects that will impact generations of children and families, it is important to provide accommodations to those serving.
“Volunteers are vital to our mission to complete our plans that are part of our Decade of Dreams strategic plan.” – Danny Nicholson
Danny Nicholson, President of CMCM, said, “We are very thankful for this grant from Lowe’s Hometowns Community Impact Project. This grant will allow us to complete the Dunbarton Home and allow us to have more volunteers visit campus. Volunteers are vital to our mission to complete our plans that are part of our Decade of Dreams strategic plan. We are thrilled to have been chosen and know this will help us continue to care for more children and families for years to come.”
Along with red vest associates from Lowe’s, members of Carolinas Cornerstone Church from Fort Mill, S.C., also worked to help in renovations. Around 15 volunteers from the church worked to update the cottage before the Lowe’s Red Vest Day.
Launched in 2022, Lowe’s Hometowns is a five-year, $100 million commitment from Lowe’s to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide. Each project receives a grant from Lowe’s to make physical improvements that help local organizations continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Bob Martin, Store Director at Lowe’s in Greenwood, shared, “What an honor it is to work for an organization like Lowe’s that gives back to the community in many ways. Our connection with the team of professionals at Connie Maxwell has been enlightening and rewarding. The support and partnership we have created on this project reminds us of the good in people.”
Connie Maxwell is grateful for the local partnership with Lowe’s in Greenwood and local Lowe’s associates, construction pros and impact partner Points of Light.
Because of these partnerships, Dunbarton Cottage will enable more volunteers and church groups to partner with the ministry of CMCM and allow Connie Maxwell children to dream bigger and have brighter futures.
If your church group is interested in volunteering at CMCM, please visit our website at conniemaxwell.com/volunteer.
