The Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) has secured another major grant to push its long-running museum project forward, receiving a $20,000 Diamond in the Rough award from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to fund exterior restoration of the historic former Methodist Church at 164 SE D Street in Madras.
The grant, received in June, is the third $20,000 award the JCHS has earned for the project and will fund work to restore the outside of the 118-year-old structure, which was built in 1908 — two years before the city of Madras was incorporated.
A Building Being Brought Back to Life
The JCHS has been working steadily to transform the former church into the Jefferson County Museum, tackling the project in phases as funding becomes available. The first major upgrade — a new HVAC system — was completed in May, funded by two earlier $20,000 grants: an Oregon Heritage grant received last fall and a Roundhouse Foundation grant in the spring.
Now with the Diamond in the Rough award in hand, the historical society is turning to the exterior. Plans call for:
- Removing the aged vinyl siding
- Restoring or replacing the original plank siding underneath
- Repainting the structure
- Stabilizing and restoring the historic bell tower
The society is tentatively planning to complete the exterior restoration by early fall, with additional grants being sought to cover the full scope of the work.
About the Diamond in the Rough Program
The Diamond in the Rough grant is an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department program specifically designed to help restore facades on historically significant Oregon structures. The JCHS qualified for the award through the church building historic status and the society restoration plan.
Community Has Rallied Behind the Project
Beyond the three $20,000 grants, the JCHS raised approximately $23,000 through a Cowsills benefit concert held at the Madras Performing Arts Center in April. Combined with the three grants, the project has now secured roughly $83,000 in community and institutional support.
No firm opening date for the museum has been set. After the exterior restoration, the society plans to shift focus to interior work, including new flooring on the main level and ADA-compliant restroom upgrades.
For residents who want to support the Jefferson County Museum project or follow its progress, the Jefferson County Historical Society can be reached through local community channels. Donations and volunteer interest are welcome as the society continues working toward the county first dedicated museum space.