The roof on the church at First Avenue South and Fourth Street was patched and a couple of windows were replaced by a nephew of a longtime church member who traveled from Mississippi just to do the work.

Roderick McKenzie is a nephew of Walter Naylor, the late husband of Julia Naylor, a lifelong member of the congregation. He is a brick mason and construction worker.

McKenzie was in Fort Dodge last month to do the work.

“We had the roof fixed and then we had the ceiling fixed where it leaked,” Julia Naylor said.

She added that two windows were replaced. Additional work was done on some window frames and trim.

McKenzie isn’t the only member of the extended Naylor family who helps to maintain the site. Another nephew, Billy Naylor, mows the grass and does other outside chores.

The church was constructed in 1894 and Naylor said there are several more building projects the congregation wants to complete.

“There’s always something that can be done,” she said.

With the building getting back in shape, members of the congregation hope to welcome the rest of the Fort Dodge community to their church for various outreach events.

“We look forward to an event once a month for the whole community,” said Sherry Washington, a member of the church’s board. “We’re very thankful for the Fort Dodge community. Folks in the community have supported the church.”

Cake walk to honor Naylor

Julia Naylor, of Fort Dodge, says she was born and raised in Coppin Chapel AME Church.

“That’s the only church I’ve ever been a member of,” she said.

She is now the church’s clerk, treasurer and a member of its board.

As Naylor approaches her 90 birthday, the congregation plans to celebrate her big day in a public way.

A drive-thru cake walk will be held in Naylor’s honor from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at the church at First Avenue South and Fourth Street. Cakes will be for sale.

Naylor will celebrate her 90th birthday on Nov. 14.