The Pike Leadership Class of 2018-2019 learned more about the history of Pike County Wednesday than many residents will ever know. Each month, the Leadership Class, which is sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, spends a day learning about the county in which they live and work.

Chuck Ash, Chamber board member, said this month class members visited the City of Troy to learn about the functions of each of its department. Then, they participated in a walking tour of downtown Troy which was led by Trey Earnest.

“Trey led a downtown tour last year and the class was impressed with his knowledge of Troy and its history,” Ash said. “Trey knows the history of all the buildings and he can transform you back in time. You can vividly imagine what it was like when horses and cows were coming along the dirt streets of Troy.”

After lunch at Sips on the Square, the group visited Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church on College Street.

“Last year’s class just happened to stop by Saint Mark’s and they were impressed by the architecture, the history of the church and its food pantry, which really struck a chord with them,” Ash said. “The class later made a donation to the church’s food pantry. That shows a lot about the heart of Pike County.”

The International Arts Center at Troy University was also a stop on the city tour.

“The class members were impressed with Nall’s Gallery and that he is a native of Troy,” Ash said. “They enjoyed seeing his work and the other gallery space at the IAC.”

From there, the group went to Brundidge and visited the We Piddle Around Theater.

Ash said Lawrence Bowden, president of the Brundidge Historical Society, shared the history of the theater. He also told them about the award-winning folk life play that is the trademark of the theater and the storytelling events that are held throughout the year.

Dana Sanders, chamber vice president, is a member of Leadership Pike and has found it to be informative and enlightening.

“Leadership Pike provides us with an opportunity to see and experience Pike County in a unique way,” she said. “I have connected paths with people that I probably would not have known otherwise. Leadership Pike is made of 15 young leaders who have a desire to get involved in the community and make it a better place.”

Sanders recommends Pike Leadership 110 percent.

“Being a member of the class might mean getting out of your comfort zone but, for people who are compassionate about their community, it is a very worthwhile experience,” she said.

Membership in Leadership Pike is by application. Those interested in the Chamber’s leadership program may get more information by calling, 566-2294.