McDONOUGH – While not its original purpose, a defunct church in McDonough could soon be serving the community in another way.
The McDonough Improvement Committee announced last week that it’s worked out plans to takeover the Calvary Episcopal Church on county Rt. 7 within the next few weeks and convert the 123-year-old structure into a library and performing arts facility.
“When the Episcopal Diocese (Syracuse) closed the church last year they offered to hand it over to a community group if there was any interest,” said Eleanor Troicke, president of the McDonough Improvement Committee. “We wanted to keep the building a part of the community. We wanted to preserve it.”
Tentative plans call for 2,000 book collection in the sanctuary area of the church. It would be an official branch of the Oxford Memorial Library and a part of the Four County Library System. No official name has been given to the center.
“This is wonderful,” said Oxford Library Director Nancy Wilcox. “I’ve wanted for sometime to find somewhere to expand our outreach.”
Troicke said the altar and organ area at the west end of the building would act as a stage for local musical acts, small plays or poetry reads.
“We want this to be a vehicle for all performing arts,” she said.
Members of the improvement committee say securing funding and volunteer hours for key projects – like new electrical wiring, a handicapped accessible entrance and Internet service – will ultimately decide if and when plans move forward.
“It’s only limited by our volunteerism,” said McDonough area-resident and published children’s book author Suzanne Bloom. “It will happen. It’s a pretty exciting project.”
Bloom believes the project will not only advance early literacy efforts in schools and reading in general, but will act as hub for McDonough’s citizens – of all ages.
“This could be a focal point in the community – a point of pride,” she said. “McDonough is an amazing little town. People want reasons to be here and stay here. This adds to that.”
Troicke said they hope to have the center up and running by Christmas, but it all depends on when they take on official ownership and if they can gather enough money to make improvements. They’re expecting to be open a few days and one evening per week at the onset. The committee said they’ll be sending out a scheduling survey to residents soon.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said committee member Karol Proppe, who was also a longtime parishioner at Calvary. “I didn’t want to see the church get sold, torn down and hauled off.”
The committee is seeking grant money and funds from the McDonough Town Board. In total, however, they expect it will take a community effort.
“We’re looking for continued financial support and volunteer support,” said Troicke.
To get more information or to offer help, call Eleanor Troicke at 647-5243.