Chico community helps fund restoration of historic Bethel AME Church

The Bethel AME Church can be restored to it's original condition thanks to community support

### community members are coming together to help restore a historic church in chico.

Bethel a-m-e church located on linden street is one of the oldest buildings in town - it was built in 1867.

A few weeks ago there was some vandalism at the church and people in chico decided to come together and raise money to fix it!

They ended up raising around 40-thousand dollars* now - they are taking it a step further and will restore the building to its original glory.

"four to 6 weeks ago several of us thought it would be positive to assist the african american church to rebuild their long lost steeple that was lost back in the 50s.//i want to say thank you to those who have stopped by, donated, ecstatic about you participating in a project that will have long lasting impacts for years."//"i grew up across the street, my brother and our friends we would walk to this church and they would serve us breakfast, they made a big impact on my life.

When i heard this restoration was going to happen, i wanted to volunteer, after what the church did for me when i was a kid."

They plan to also restore the bell tower.

The construction is expected to take 4 to 6 months- until then church members will meet virtually.

Their goal is to raise 100,000 dollars and are accepting donations through the north valley community foundation.###