When we last reported to you readers in November, FOMZI was awaiting the results of talks between Bill McMaster and Town Council. As I told you then, there were (and still are) many factors to be considered in arriving at a sound plan with a solid chance of success. I’ve not reported back primarily because FOMZI was not a part of those discussions and, though Bill has kept us informed as they progressed, it was and is appropriate for the Council to announce their final sign-off on the project when that happens.

Some of the plans have become generally known, mainly that the Town is amenable to giving Bill McMaster, as a private entity, time to develop and implement the rehabilitation plan. There will likely be benchmarks for progress and various historic district and zoning safeguards. FOMZI would not be involved in this ownership and, though I can’t speak for Council, there are understandable reasons why this would be their choice. The McMaster family has already stepped up to the plate with funds covering the demolition contract suspension, engineering and architectural studies and other expenses and have committed to the initial stabilization (roof & windows) and beginning renovations. FOMZI, on the other hand, is a relatively new organization, not fully structured and thus far unproven in our ability to raise serious money toward the project. That last part is something of a sticking point with us, as we’ve been cautious about our fund-raising efforts only in view of our lack of legal standing regarding the property. We believe, in other circumstances, we could effectively establish a significant financial foundation. Be that as it may, we’re the proverbial birds in the bush and Bill is the bird in hand who is, thankfully, willing to take it on under these circumstances.

I’ve been asked why we haven’t made a major pitch ourselves for ownership and have only one answer, which is my own. FOMZI was formed in response to the request for help in determining feasible interest and support for the project and potential use for the buildings. We fulfilled that mission and were prepared to do and be whatever was needed to save the structures and return the campus to use. With a ready, committed private benefactor and an agreeable Town Council willing to share the vision we developed, there’s presently no reason for us to embark on that journey toward ownership, rehabilitation, and management. I do think I can speak for the whole steering committee in our offer of continued help and cooperation where it’s needed.

Private ownership renders us unable, however, to assist financially with non-profit donations and, for the time being, we are suspending solicitation of funds. The generosity of those of you who’ve wanted to help with our efforts enabled us to establish a base of funds that remains intact except for the expenses of the mass mailing we did last summer. We will likely hold that balance in escrow for a while, in case circumstances change with the plans for the campus. Rest assured, it’s Mt. Zion money and will eventually be used only in the interests of the Mt. Zion story and campus.

The steering committee has been in a stand-by mode since we last met in early December but will gather shortly to discuss the organizational path that seems most prudent for the long haul. We’ll consider ways that we can be effective in promoting the Mt. Zion story and history, serve as a base organization for the school’s students, and support the campus and neighborhood as a whole for the benefit of Winnsboro and Fairfield County. In the meantime, we’re excited and relieved that the buildings of Mt. Zion appear to be headed toward a safe future.