North Pitcher Church hosts first event in decades; renovations nearly finished
PITCHER – The North Pitcher Community Heritage Society, Inc. celebrated its first event at the newly renovated North Pitcher Church, located on State Highway 26.
On Sunday, Mrs. Winnie Wentworth – joined by her family, who have contributed to the renovations – celebrated her 90th birthday at the church.
“It went very well ... it was wonderful to see life breathed into the place,” said Dave Loomis, a member of the North Pitcher Community Heritage Society.
The building was first constructed in 1835 and later rebuilt in 1895 following a fire. As a child, Loomis said he grew up attending the church when it still functioned as the hub for an Episcopal congregation, although the church has not actually functioned in a religious capacity since the 1970s.
Construction on the building has been ongoing since 2012, and although progress has been slow, it has been steady, as a dedicated group gathered donations and worked throughout the fall, winter and spring. The building's roof was completed last fall while the interior of the Sanctuary has been repainted, with most of the work accomplished during the winter season and without heating. And while work on the building's interior is nearing completion, construction on the steeple, as well as both entrances, still lies ahead.
Roughly 35 to 40 people are taking part in the project, lending their physical abilities, talent, knowledge, tools and monetary donations, along with other contributions.
“Many people have been very supportive of our undertaking, even many from outside of our organization,” said Loomis. “It has been a local effort, we are not interested in getting grants or government money, instead we are interested in doing it ourselves and I think that the community has really been drawn to that and has taken ownership of the project.”
Although the structure is intended to function primarily as a community center, heritage society members hope that some of the connection between the building's initial purpose will remain, and a wedding has already been scheduled there for August.
“We are amazed at all the interest our project has generated and the number of people who stop in just to look the building over and say thank you for saving this beautiful landmark … we want to thank everyone who has helped with saving our church and community center,” added Loomis.
On Sunday, Mrs. Winnie Wentworth – joined by her family, who have contributed to the renovations – celebrated her 90th birthday at the church.
“It went very well ... it was wonderful to see life breathed into the place,” said Dave Loomis, a member of the North Pitcher Community Heritage Society.
The building was first constructed in 1835 and later rebuilt in 1895 following a fire. As a child, Loomis said he grew up attending the church when it still functioned as the hub for an Episcopal congregation, although the church has not actually functioned in a religious capacity since the 1970s.
Construction on the building has been ongoing since 2012, and although progress has been slow, it has been steady, as a dedicated group gathered donations and worked throughout the fall, winter and spring. The building's roof was completed last fall while the interior of the Sanctuary has been repainted, with most of the work accomplished during the winter season and without heating. And while work on the building's interior is nearing completion, construction on the steeple, as well as both entrances, still lies ahead.
Roughly 35 to 40 people are taking part in the project, lending their physical abilities, talent, knowledge, tools and monetary donations, along with other contributions.
“Many people have been very supportive of our undertaking, even many from outside of our organization,” said Loomis. “It has been a local effort, we are not interested in getting grants or government money, instead we are interested in doing it ourselves and I think that the community has really been drawn to that and has taken ownership of the project.”
Although the structure is intended to function primarily as a community center, heritage society members hope that some of the connection between the building's initial purpose will remain, and a wedding has already been scheduled there for August.
“We are amazed at all the interest our project has generated and the number of people who stop in just to look the building over and say thank you for saving this beautiful landmark … we want to thank everyone who has helped with saving our church and community center,” added Loomis.
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