Sedalia Center

In the Spring of 1988, the Bedford County School Board made a decision to sell, by means of sealed bid, the abandoned Counter Ridge Elementary School (now the Sedalia Center). Dr. and Mrs. William McCabe turned in the highest bid and hence became owners of the school building and surrounding seven acres. By October 1989, enough renovation had taken place to re-open the former school for public activities. Because the property is located in the old rural community of Sedalia, the new enterprise was re-named the Sedalia Center. The brick school was called the Stuart L. McCabe Memorial Building in memory of the McCabes’ son who was killed in an accident in 1990. Shortly thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. “Buzzy” Coleman became partners with the McCabes in the project. Initially, the property was designated as “the Sedalia Center for the Art of Living and the Living Arts” – a phrase judged broad enough to accommodate any activity that this lively common ground could provide.

Non-profit status as a cultural and educational institution, 501(c)(3), was sought from the I. R. S. and granted, and remains the status of the Center today. As required, an Executive Director was hired, a Board of Directors elected, mission statement written, By-laws and incorporation completed. Volunteer committees were formed to enhance and help activate the mission of the Center. Adherence to non-discrimination policies has always been followed in matters of race, religion, and ethnic origin.

It became possible for the McCabes to purchase an additional seven acres adjacent to the Center’s grounds, bringing the complex up to fourteen acres. Recently the purchase of a small parcel of land behind the Center made it possible to have much needed space for parking and camping. Eventually the McCabes and the Colemans turned over their ownership and the mortgage to the Sedalia Center, Inc., and that is the situation today.

Now, at the beginning of its 20th year of existence, the Sedalia Center, Inc., can report that literally many thousands of people have attended concerts, festivals, plays, Native American pow-wows, classes, workshops, camps, and many other types of events held at the Center. In addition to programmed events, the Center and its grounds are available for rent to the public for family reunions, corporate picnics, weddings, receptions, extended workshops, and trail-riders on horseback. For years, one room has been rented to the Hunters for the Hungry, a humanitarian organization.

In 1997, Sedalia drew up a contract with the Bedford County Recreation Department for the construction of a regulation American Legion size ball field and an area for soccer games. The Sedalia Center, Inc., donated the land for this use, and the Recreation Department agreed to maintain the fields.

Upon the death of their only son, Matthew, Sheriff Mike Brown and his wife, Janet, created the lovely “Walk of Poems” memorial garden. This beautifully landscaped area features a permanent display of Matthew’s original poetry. It offers an ideal spot for small music presentations, lectures, storytelling, picnics, and quiet contemplation.

A large, well-designed horse show/livestock ring was constructed between the athletic fields and “Walk of Poems”. The show ring is the site of the annual Mule Jump Competition, a featured activity at the Sedalia Country Fair.

For fifteen years, the Center has sponsored and housed Scout Troop #638, led by Scoutmaster Tom Sikes and his wife, Eva Yoder. As a result of their leadership, the troop has produced twenty Eagle Scouts.

Several major events have been held at the Sedalia Center in conjunction with the Bedford County Public Schools, such as: an All-Bedford County joint band concert featuring combined musicians from the three high schools and three middle schools; nine years of providing space for an Odyssey of the Mind team to create their presentations; and hosting the Girl Scout camps on the grounds of the Center. Collaboration with like-minded institutions has always been a part of Sedalia’s vision.

Very gradually, a number of physical improvements have been added to the property – an outdoor stage, a large covered pavilion with stage and seating room for 300-400 people, handicapped-accessible bathrooms with showers have replaced the obsolete children’s restrooms. Fortunately, the water supply is good as it served an elementary school population in 1959.

The success of the Sedalia Center has always depended on a large corps of committed volunteers who have generously supported the aims of the Center with their time, thought, creativity, physical labor and gifts.

The Sedalia Center property lies in a magnificent setting with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, creating a very safe and beautiful environment for children and adults. Despite its private setting, the entrance is on a paved road near the Big Island Highway, Route 122, which runs North-South through Bedford County.