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By June McMurray

This story begins on August 30 when my son was murdered in a home invasion. His partner (Shannon Prewitt) and one of their closest friends (Bryce Thomason) came up with the following idea:

On August 31st, we lost our friend and loved one Alfred Chadwick (Chad) McMurray to a senseless crime. Many have asked what they can do to help. The best way you help is by continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, however, if you want to do more and can, we’ll tell you what we are doing.

Chad grew up in Greensboro, NC and attended Skenes Chapel Holiness Church. The church was built in 1907 and was one of the first in the nation to have as ordained female pastor, Bishop A. J. Lewis Richmond (established in1913). The church was purchased from the Quakers in 1958. Although it is in decent condition, the last century has taken its toll on the building.

Chad had wanted to help the church by raising money for a new roof as well as a fresh coat of paint and various other repairs. He never got a chance to organize fundraising to do this during his time here on earth, but we are picking up his cause and doing what we can to help. During Chad’s home going service, it was obvious why this meant so much to him. There is no way to convey in words all the love we experienced at Skenes Chapel where Chad used to sing in the choir. The church family there welcomed us with open arms and lifted us up in our time of need.

We have set up a memorial fund account at Bank of America so Chad’s dream of repairing this historic church building can become a reality. If you can help in any way please make a donation to the fund listed below.

This story continues, because Chad’s friends did respond, we now have enough money to start on a new roof for the church Leo Reitzel, a high school classmate of Chad’s and the owner of Reitzel Custom Builders, has graciously agreed to take on the job in memory of Chad. This account will remain open for anyone who would like to make a donation, because it is my desire to carry on my son’s dream and also to establish a chapter of Parents of Murdered Children at Skenes Chapel in the near future.