AIKEN --- The exterior renovation of the former Immanuel Institute, at the corner of York Street and Richland Avenue, was completed last summer, but the inside of the future Center for African American History, Art & Culture still needs considerable work.

Volunteers hope to make up for lost time after the center suffered a setback because of a lack of funding.

"Every board carried by a volunteer is money we don't have to raise," said the Rev. Doug Slaughter, of Second Baptist Church in Aiken, as he took a break from hauling lumber inside. "The project is a tremendous asset to the whole community."

The pastor is one of several Aiken residents and licensed contractors who have volunteered their time in an effort to get the second phase completed.

Renovation on the interior was delayed as the center waited for money from the state.

In December, though, the center received a check for $250,000 from the state, in addition to two private donations.

The original budget called for $1.9 million to get the facility fully operational, but funding fell short of that goal.

Organizers and members of the Aiken Corp., which owns the property, have raised more than $1.1 million. More than $400,000 is from private donations and $360,000 is from the city of Aiken. Aiken County has provided $100,000.

The accommodations tax -- added to hotel room fees -- makes up the city's contribution of $360,000. Those involved with the center have said they'll need at least $500,000 more to complete the project.

The Rev. Slaughter said he hopes that more people volunteer their time.

"I've always believed that the best way to unite a community is by working together on worthwhile projects," he said.

Established in the 1890s by Presbyterian missionaries, the Immanuel Institute educated the children of former slaves.

MacDonald Law, a local architect, said the second phase should be finished in three or four months.

"The cultural center and museum will also have a visitors centers that will be an educational experience for visitors, especially children, showing the history of African-Americans beginning in Africa and then going across on slave ships to Charleston and then to Aiken," he said.

The upstairs will feature an auditorium and gallery space for traveling exhibits. Elevators were added for handicapped access.

"The great thing is we have a lot of sweat equity," Mr. Law said. "We may be in a position by the end of phase two to do some activities in the existing building.

Reach Michelle Guffey at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or michelle.guffey@augustachronicle.com.