DIXON, CA (MPG) - Just 20 years ago when you entered the Tremont Church at 8290 Tremont Road, you worried you might fall through one of the boards in the floor. The air smelled like old leather suitcases, and particles of dust sparkled through rays of sunlight. There were cobwebs around the lectern and some paint peeling from the walls. But one could see the silhouette of the simple life of farm families that must have sat on the pews for more than a hundred years.

The building was decaying and the members of the Tremont Mite Society which had been a functioning organization since 1863 were also tired. The organization was the longest continuously chartered women’s organization in California, but they were becoming few. This group of Silveyville ancestors dedicated to preserving the church were also aging.

Yet the bones seemed strong and if you closed your eyes, you could see a couple in wedding attire and beautiful boughs of greenery and flowers on the pews. You could imagine what it could be...with a little tender, loving care.

With the help of many, it is now restored"'it even has the original lectern and is a beautiful wedding venue. Located just east of Dixon on Tremont Road, the 2-acre parcel that was donated by the Hyde family is a perfectly preserved diamond sitting to one side of a well-maintained grassy park. In the back area behind the church is the Tremont Cemetery that still offers burial space.

The restoration began about six years ago when the Trustees of the Silveyville Cemetery District decided the goal was to “put it into use” after the church had been shut down due to being ADA non-compliant, said Jennifer Huff, District Manager. “We had no intention of it being a wedding venue. That just evolved on its own by people talking about and wanting to share it.”

They began with a ramp but found dry rot and contracted with Wes Standfill who is a restoration specialist with historical buildings.

“He is meticulous and his craftsmanship is exemplary,” she said. Standfill redid the faux bell tower and redid the whole back of the church with reclaimed wood. He changed some of the hardware that was not working or falling apart, and they used him as a resource after that, knowing they were trying to match the year or the era.

“We were getting close to the end and it had been closed up for so long so we finished painting inside and out and painted black accents,” Huff said. “When Emily Rowe got it listed on the historical registry, that was a big deal. The Board has been very supportive. It’s never been about money. It’s always been about getting it back in use because there is too much history and character to have it just sit there.”

Now, it is the perfect spot for a special day with a historical chapel that exudes peaceful charm. The tall windows allow in plenty of light for important photos, and with a neutral decor and dark stained wood pews and lectern, it can bring any bride’s wedding theme to exemplary.

“We re-did all the wiring and even painted the chandelier. This was all done with fundraising,” said Board of Trustee Cindy Gill. “We had our first wedding last week,” she said with obvious pride. Weddings or Vow Renewals run $750 while Memorials run $500. For more information, see tremontchurchsilveyvillecemetery.net or contact Huff at (916) 678-5578.