Detecting a late 1800's church

[grumpymedic]

So I got permission to metal detect a church built in the late 1800's which I am super excited about but I was told that I had to turn everything I find into the church would you still detect the place just to see what you find knowing you can't keep anything? I know I could just hand them a handful of pull tabs and keep the good stuff for myself but I am not sure I want to put myself in that dilemma..but I have been having dreams about what might be in the ground out there and It's hard to find old areas around the DFW area. What are your thoughts? What approach might I use with the church to get them to let me keep some goodies for myself? Thanks and HH

 

[jst2kool]

I think that might just have to be the price you pay for the opportunity to detect. Take along a good camera for pictures that you can keep. remember the lord will be watching so be honest.That's the best way to go.

 

[Elton]

We are all in the hobby for the finds..renegotiate for 50/50 ....... Your time, your expertise, your equipment is worth something..

Unless it's a historical recovery.......... And will be displayed for all to see.. What is the point ??.

 

[JimmyCT]

I have to agree with Elton as I wouldn't do all that to hand it over to someone else. You can also make a contribution to the church in lieu of whatever you find. What is it worth to you? $50.00? $75.00? $100.00? People are motivated by $$ and that is why they want you to "turn everything in" You can come across and make a statement like, " I really enjoy this hobby and enjoy keeping the things that I find whether it be a button, pocket knife or a penny etc." if you are in agreement, I would like to make an offer of XXX dollars to your church in exhange for keeping whatever I find. Worth a shot. - Let me know how it goes - Jim

 

[TerraDigger]

I wouldn't do it for free. One would think that being a House of God...........greed would not factor into the equation.

 

[jmaryt]

volunteer to preach a sermon!
good luck with that!..just sayin'

(h.h.!)
j.t.

 

[osgood]

Grumpy, With permission Ive detected churches like that. I usually say you can have everything I find and jokingly add unless its gold and then we should talk about it. I also insist I get to photo stuff. However I havent had a church yet than takes me up on the offer when I start bringing them bags of aluminum siding cuts, pull tabs, hot wheel cars, nails etc they usually say oh you can keep it. If i found a righteous ring or something I would, as Earthly suggest above, offer to split or have a monetary solution, donation (to the grounds committee?) etc. If they have an interest because it has historical significance to the church itself, like this the original rectors ring, or we've been missing that historical plaque for years, etc I let them have it - I like to see these old churches go another 200 years standing and with their historical heritage as intact as possible. In many ways churches, and their church families, and histories are the only stabilizing and constant thing left in some communities- you know sentinels for all time. Done with my rant. Thanks, CO

 

[BarberBill]

I pretty well agree with osgood. However, a lot of the fun for me is in the finding versus the having. That doesn't mean I don't keep coins or would walk away from a $20 gold piece though.
BB

 

[grumpymedic]

I appreciate the advise guys!! I am going to try and convince them to let me keep a few coins if I can find any and anything historically related to the church I will turn in to them. Hopefully I can plead my case and get a few good keepers!! I am really excited to get my first Barber and this Church should give me at least a shot at one I would think..Thanks again guys!!

Rex

 

[osgood]

Let us know if the Barber shows up, then give the church a cut (ha, ha) Good Luck, CO