March 20, 2007

First Universalist Church of West Chesterfield awarded New Hampshire Preservation Alliance grant

The First Universalist Church of West Chesterfield was recently awarded a Preservation Services Grant from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. The grant monies will be used to conduct a preliminary conditions assessment to help set a plan and determine priorities for the historic church’s preservation.

The First Universalist Church of West Chesterfield has been a part of Chesterfield history for over 200 years and remains the only church serving West Chesterfield. The 1830 Greek Revival building remains essentially unchanged from its original state and continues to host Sunday worship services from Easter through Christmas.

While the First Universalist Church takes great pride in the efforts it has made over the years to maintain and preserve its historic building, time and the elements are beginning to take their toll. Church leaders are now aware of significant preservation and maintenance issues and are considering organizing and implementing an appropriate capital campaign to address these needs. The grant from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance creates a critical foundation for the success of these efforts.

Founded in 1985, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is a statewide, nonprofit historic preservation organization. The organization’s Preservation Services Grant Program is designed to assist local organizations in developing successful preservation projects by providing funding for specialized assistance from one or more preservation professionals. The focus is on helping projects at critical junctures and on saving important community landmarks and landscapes.

Funding for the development of the Preservation Services Grant Program has been provided by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the NH Division of Historical Resources, the Otto Fund of the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation, and the Fidelity Foundation. In addition, a portion of the grant has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service.

Well-known local architect, Richard M. Monahon, Jr. AIA of Monahon Architects in Peterborough, NH will serve as the consultant for the church’s preliminary conditions assessment project. Mr. Monahon is the principal architect and owner of the firm, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Architecture degree from MIT. Mr. Monahon moved to New Hampshire in 1972 to begin restoration work on the Harrisville Mills. He was registered as a licensed Architect in 1976 and established his offices at the Granite Block in Peterborough, NH.

Further information about the First Universalist Church of West Chesterfield can be found on the church’s website at www.chesterfielduu.org or by calling (603)256-6346