Augusta Commission Orders Repairs for Historic Church

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission is addressing significant concerns regarding the Old First Baptist Church, a historic property that has been in disrepair since its purchase in 2020 by Joe Edge. During a recent hearing, community members voiced their worries about the building's safety and structural integrity, prompting the Commission to give Edge ten days to initiate repairs or face potential legal action. Edge claims he has invested hundreds of thousands in renovations, yet code enforcement officials report that many repairs lack necessary permits, contributing to the building's designation on Augusta's blight list. The case has drawn attention to the involvement of local lawyer George Bush, who has been accused by Edge of instigating the city board's scrutiny as part of a personal vendetta. Despite Edge's assertions of progress, the Historic Preservation Commission remains skeptical about his commitment to maintaining the property. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle between preserving historical landmarks and ensuring public safety.