Hats off to the Southampton County Historical Society for its latest project — a replica of a country church from the 1800s that’s being built on the grounds of the Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Courtland.

The even better news is that the $50,000 project is being funded through donations and is running under budget. The project has been supplemented with donated services and materials.

One of the donors was Marvin Worrell, who purchased furniture from New Hope Methodist Church in Como, N.C., when it closed several years ago. Worrell’s donation to the historical society included Victorian pieces, altar chairs and pews, two pianos, pictures, figurines and sheet music.

Thanks to Worrell and other donors, visitors to the museum grounds will get an even better picture of how things looked at one time in Southampton County. Visitors are sure to include tourists, who are bound to spend money in the area during their visit.

Visitors also may include school children, who will learn about and hopefully remember the past by seeing things from the past.

The church will add to the museum’s antique farm equipment, hand tools and rural wares featured in indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits of more than 400 items.

The plan calls for completing the church for this year’s Heritage Day celebration on Sept. 11 so it can be dedicated.

Financial contributions are still sought for doors, windows and light fixtures, which could be dedicated in memory or honor of a loved one.

For information, call 653-9554 or 653-9028.