Replacing porch trim

Hey r/diy.

Wife and I just bought an old craftsmen. All of the exterior trim around the porch is original and has about 30 layers of paint on it. I'd like to remove the trim, replace, and paint.

I'm going to remove a single piece and see how it goes but I have some concerns and need some questions answered. Hopefully y'all can help.

The porch has columns and between each column there are are 1x8s stacked on top of each other to make a facade that is about 16 inches tall with a piece of trim in the middle. I'd like to replace the 1x8s but I'm scared they are structural and need advice.

Here is a picture:

http://imgur.com/vOFGCDd

You can see the piece of trim I removed from the leftmost 18 inches. I'd like to remove both 1x8 boards which run between the two columns (one of the columns is out of sight) and also put on a new piece of trim.

I can't figure out what is bearing the load, however. The 1x8s are not even pushed against each other, there is about a quarter of an inch between each board.

In this picture you can see what it looks like standing directly under and there is a 2x4 sandwiched between the 1x8s on each side. I don't believe the 2x4 is load bearing either.

http://imgur.com/XFqwqxv

Any ideas whats going on or where to look next? I don't wanna remove the 1x8 and have it all come crashing down on me. :)

Adam