SPARR — Reese Taschenberger didn’t let the theft of building materials from his Eagle Scout project work site early this year derail his efforts.

The loss actually led to additional support from this small community about 15 miles northeast of Ocala.

Taschenberger, 17, was well on his way to completing his project, a covered outdoor pavilion for Sparr United Methodist Church, when on Feb. 9 someone stole a number of custom-made steel roof trusses stored on the job site.

The trusses, valued at over $1,100, have not been recovered, even though Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigators checked metal scrap buyers.

In the true spirit of the Eagle rank, Taschenberger, a member of Boy Scout Troop 563 sponsored by Sparr United Methodist Church, regrouped and moved forward.

Larry and Martha Krietemeyer made a donation to replace the trusses while at least two contractors have continued their volunteer support with labor or material for the project.

The Krietemeyers, who live in nearby Anthony, did not know Taschenberger but they said they were pleased to help when they heard about the theft.

“It touched our hearts when we heard about the stolen trusses. This is a young man trying to do something good and giving back to the community,” said Larry Krietemeyer, with K.P. Studios, an architectural firm in Ocala. He said he reached the Scout through church connections.

Taschenberger said contributors also included John Plunket, with Triple Crown Homes, and Phoenix Supply of Ocala.

Scouts, adult leaders and community volunteers saw the 20-by-32 pole-barn-style metal roof structure nearly completed Saturday except for roof vents, according to the Eagle candidate’s mother, Mary Taschenberger.

The teen’s scoutmaster, Ludvig Olson, commented as he worked on the wooden frame for the pavilion.

“Reese hung in there. This is a major project,” Olson said.

Taschenberger has been a Scout since about age 6. His brother Robert Taschenberger, 20, a student at University of South Florida, earned the Eagle rank in 2011.

Taschenberger has earned about 24 merit badges. He found personal management, which involves a lot of paperwork, the hardest to attain, but he enjoyed canoeing the most.

“Scouting has taught me to be a leader. I believe Scouting helped me with accomplishments in school and being a lead lifeguard at Wild Waters,” said Taschenberger, a senior at Vanguard High School and a member of the school’s swim team.

He said that earning the Eagle rank, accomplished by about 7 percent of scouts nationwide last year according to the Boy Scout website, would be a benefit in college and employment.

The path to completing his Eagle project — including getting necessary approvals for his plans, organizing volunteers and workdays and obtaining donations for the project — has been a learning and growth experience for Reese.

Mary Taschenberger said she has seen a “lot of growth, a lot of maturity” in her son as the project progressed.

He first reached out to Sunniland Corporation, a local supplier which handles metal roofing and was in turn put in touch with roofer Bill Salyer with R.N. Palmer roofing of Leesburg.

Salyer donated nearly half of the metal roof panels and helped obtain the balance. He also provided instruction on panel installation.

Bill Ward, of Ward Construction, who is also a Troop 563 adult leader, helped on the workday along with Troop Assistant Scoutmaster and owner of Hurricane Electric Contractors Peter Dubose. Brian Dubose, 15, Peter Dubose’s son, and member of Troop 563, also worked on the project.

Peter Dubose, called a “mentor” for her son by Taschenberger’s mother, indicated the architectural plans for the pavilion, which is set on a pre-existing concrete slab, were donated by Mike White Architect of Ocala, and Marion County issued the building permit at no charge.

Volunteers at the workday included Reese’s friends Jordan Hart, 22, Bradley Richardson, 20, and Andrew McGhee, 20 and fellow Troop 563 members Chase Monroe,10, Alphonso Gordon, 16, Tristan Pompie, Jacob Masey, 16, Caleb Jimenez, 11, and Abrahim Francis,14.

David Williams, Taschenberger’s uncle, and Gloria Williams, his maternal grandmother were on hand for the workday.

Sparr United Methodist Church treasurer Nancy McIntyre said the pavilion will be used for functions including picnics, barbeques and festivals.

Church communicator Pat Nazzari said the church Fellowship Hall formerly occupied the same location as the pavilion but was destroyed by a tree some time ago. A concrete slab still remained.

Nazzari said the church, established in 1893, has about 80 members.

Church member Betty Graham said the congregation hosts activities including an English and Western horse show on the second Saturday of the month except in December.

The Eagle candidate typically receives his award in a ceremony about three months after the project and other requirements are completed.