After several years of thinking, hoping and planning, the Johnston Parlor is now a reality.

Salem Baptist Church will host open house for the recently restored brick home on South Main Street in Brundidge from 2 until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7. The public is invited to share this occasion with the church members.

The Rev. Bobby Hood said the project was spearheaded by the women of the church and supported by the men.

“This is something that the women of Salem Baptist Church had wanted to do for a long time,” Hood said. “We gave them the ball and they ran with it and they have done an outstanding job.”

The renovation was completed with the help of P&F Properties owner Bill Fisher, who has restored other homes in the Brundidge area.

The house originally belonged to Dr. Tommy Johnston, who was a prominent Brundidge physician.

Hood said the house will be designated the Johnston Parlor in memory of Johnston.

“We are excited about the restoration of the historic home,” Hood said. “I’ve been here for five years, so I know that the project has been talked about for at least that long.”

The Johnston Parlor will be used for future church functions, however, its immediate use will be as a home for associate pastor and youth leader, Kevin Davis and his family.

Davis, his wife, Kimberly and their three children will call the Johnston Parlor home until they find a place of their own.

The dedication of the Johnston Parlor is planned for the spring of 2009.

Hood said the Brundidge community is invited to join Salem Baptist Church in Christian fellowship for open house at the Johnston Parlor, which will be used in the community for the Glory of God.