Friends of the Courthouse
About the Organization
In
1986, Martin County opened a new Governmental Center which included
spacious new courtrooms. The old courthouse that had served the
county for nearly a century was no longer needed. It was seen as a
liability on property that was more valuable—to some—as parking
space for the new Governmental Center.
But there were many who felt differently about the old castle-like
structure. Some decided to do something about the potential loss.
They formed Friends of the Old Martin County Courthouse, a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization, to raise money and begin an adaptive
restoration of the building. This all-volunteer group has operated
the organization since then.
It would not be easy, or quick, but they were determined to bring
the old building back to life as a cultural center for community and
for the region. Martin County had lost two courthouses already. This
one would not meet the same fate. And in the end, it would become
something even more valuable.
Organizational Structure
The Friends of the Old Martin County
Courthouse is governed by an all-volunteer board of 12 directors.
The project architect serves as a technical advisor to the board.
The Friends of the Old Martin County Courthouse, Inc. is a
non-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
North Carolina for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and
maintaining the Old Martin County Courthouse, a historical monument.
The corporation has no members.
The Friends of the Old Martin County Courthouse are governed by a
12-member, all-volunteer Board of Directors. The Board elects its
successor directors to the serve on the Board. The organization
received its 501(a) and 503(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue
Service as of 9/16/91 and operates under Federal ID # 56-1542620.
The State of North Carolina assigned tax exempt status under NC
General Statutes Sections 105-125 and 105-130.11(3) on August 31,
1987.
Current
Board of Directors and Officers
| Ila Parker
.................... |
Chairperson |
| Murray
Elliot................. |
Vice Chairperson |
| Hazel Whitley .............. |
Secretary |
| Alvin Lewis.................... |
Treasurer |
Fred Harrison
Wayne Hopkins
Howard Harrison
Kismet Matthews
Judy Hardison
Mary Lee Clark
Brandon Woody
Amanda Van Staalduinen
John Brandon
Elizabeth Brandon, Emeritus |
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