PILOT MOUNTAIN — First United Methodist Church is looking to fund community outreach meals with the return of an old Christmas tradition — a holiday tour of homes.
A Tour of Homes has not been held in Pilot Mountain in at least six years according to Gaye Gordon, president of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Womens project.
The idea to restart the tour came when the church came together as a group to do something in order to raise money for the community meals at the church. The meals are held every third Thursday of the month. Each community meal night cost the church about $250, according to Tom Hunter, pastor.
The cost of the tour is $10. Tickets are available now at the church office, through project members and at each home on the day of the tour.
The tour begins this Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. The tour ends at 5 p.m. The tours are guided by each homeowner. “Some homes do have steps,” said Gordon. She recommended everyone wear comfortable shoes for the tour.
The overall theme for the tour is Christmas. “One homeowners theme is trees,” said Gordon. She has different Christmas trees decorated and set up in each room of her home.
The homes that will be featured on the tour this year are those of Fran Weller at 900 Dobson Mill Rd.; Casey and Martha Shaw at 166 Moravian Drive; Christopher and Amanda Cook 347 Golf Course Road; Chad and Kelly Motsinger at 211 Stone Drive; and the church parsonage and home of Tom and Patsy Hunter at 315 Golf Course Road.
The Weller home is a ranch style house that was built in 1954,by Dr. Spillman, and most know the home as such, according to Weller.
Weller said she has renovated the house greatly since moving in. Weller decided to participate in the Tour of Homes in hopes to support her community, “the church is very appreciative of the support from the community as well,” stated Weller.
The Shaw home is unique, in that it features a silo, according to Gordon.
The home of Chad and Kelly Motsinger will feature several trees. Kelly Motsinger described one tree as a “travel tree,” this tree features ornaments from all the places the family has traveled. This home was built in 1978 by Judge James Long. According to Motsinger, Long was active in drawing the plans for the home. She felt as though that made her home unique.
The Hunters will be serving light refreshments during the tour.
“We hope the turn out will be surprising, as its for a good cause.” said Gordon.
