While Columbus isn’t known for its natural waterfalls, a manmade waterfall is now flowing next to Holly Hills Road.
A driver going down the road should be able to see two ponds with a flowing waterfall in between, standing on the property of Joy and Bud Phillips.
The waterfall stands at the old location of the Midway Missionary Baptist church, which the Phillips purchased about two years ago.
The original deed for the church property, Bud said, went back to 1898, but he did not know how old the building itself was. Over time, the Phillips noticed the building deteriorating, becoming an “eyesore” for the neighborhood.
Eventually, Bud approached Pastor Denvil Clark about purchasing the property, for the sake of tearing the building down. Clark said by the time Bud reached out, the building’s maintenance and upkeep were getting too expensive and membership was dwindling.
However, the church was hesitant to sell the building unless the cemetery that stood alongside it was preserved.
“That was one of the main issues that was holding us up on selling, because that was sacred ground,” Clark said. “Midway… had been in existence for 130 or 140 years.”
Bud agreed to the church’s terms, saying he would construct a chain-link fence around the church’s cemetery, keeping the graves protected. With that in mind, Clark said it was time to “keep the memories and let it go,” leading the congregation to accept the sale and demolition of the building.
Once the lot was clear, the Phillips wanted to find something else beautiful to stand in its place.
Several ideas were discussed between them, including making the property a rose garden. But eventually, Joy landed on the idea of a waterfall, saying she was inspired by designs in magazines that she flipped through.
“What else do you think would have been so pretty there?” Joy asked. “Nothing. We talked about all kinds of flowers, but deer eat everything out here.”
To help with executing Joy’s vision, the Phillips reached out to Will Spann, owner of S and S Landscaping and Nursery. Spann said once the plans came together, his company started working on the waterfall in earnest in September.
One of his biggest concerns, Spann said, was ensuring work underground would support the water flowing above.
“The biggest thing was that we didn’t want the water to come from this (upper) pond and flow down and then overflow,” Spann said. “The water levels are important.”
A heavy-duty liner and pumps were installed before the ponds were constructed on top, Spann said. Rocks, plants, soil and water were added on top, creating the final look. The final result came together in just a few weeks.
Joy said the waterfall is also lit at night, thanks to work by Sam Suggs, and Bill Sullivan was also integral to the creation of the aquatic addition.
With the waterfall completed, Joy said, the view has improved significantly. She said she is excited for those driving past to get to enjoy it as well.
“All the neighbors love it because it has improved the neighborhood,” Joy said. “It’s absolutely what we wanted.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 38 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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