Our History:  The Art of Living and the Living Arts

In the spring of 1988, the Bedford County School Board made a decision to sell, by means of sealed bid, the abandoned Counter Ridge Elementary School (now the Sedalia Center). Dr. and Mrs. William McCabe turned in the highest bid and hence became owners of the school building and surrounding seven acres. By October 1989, enough renovation had taken place to re-open the former school for public activities. Because the property is located in the old rural community of Sedalia, the new enterprise was re-named the Sedalia Center. The brick school was called the Stuart L. McCabe Memorial Building in memory of the McCabes' son who was killed in an accident in 1990. Shortly thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. "Buzzy" Coleman became partners with the McCabes in the project. Initially, the property was designated as "the Sedalia Center for the Art of Living and the Living Arts" - a phrase judged broad enough to accommodate any activity that this lively common ground could provide.

Non-profit status as a cultural and educational institution, 501(c)(3), was sought from the I. R. S. and granted, and remains the status of the Center today. As required, an Executive Director was hired, a Board of Directors elected, mission statement written, By-laws and incorporation completed. Volunteer committees were formed to enhance and help activate the mission of the Center. Adherence to non-discrimination policies has always been followed in matters of race, religion, and ethnic origin.