Editor’s Note: This is the fifth in a series focusing on the homes involved in the 2011 Selma Pilgrimage.

Spacious rooms and a small yard are what first attracted Stephen G. and Erika Smitherman to their current dwelling at 308 Church Street, better known as the “Eliasburg Smitherman House.”

“We were drawn to the historic area and wanted somewhere where our three children could ‘feel the grass under their feet’,” Erika said. “We were impressed by the kitchen and the flooring.”

Built in 1840 by Frederick Voeglin, the Greek Revival structure has seen many owners. With a spacious front porch, a balcony and columns, its architecture can best be described as southern antebellum style.

For the Pilgrimage set for March 18-19, the Smithermans’ are doing major renovations such as stripping more than 5,000 feet of wallpaper and painting the walls of five large rooms.

“We’ve repainted the exterior and will re-glaze all of the windows,” Erika said. “Our biggest challenges are going to be the bathrooms, the windows and the wall paper.”

Fan-shaped and weighted windows, oak and pine flooring, a chandelier and Victorian and Empire furniture adorn the modernized home, inviting the public inside.

The love of historic preservation and restoration is the couple’s passion and the reason for participating in this year’s Pilgrimage.

“Our main focus is to keep ‘comfort and the authenticity’ of the property,” Erika said. “We want people to come and have refreshments and see our work in progress.”