|
|
|
|
|
History of the 1794 Meetinghouse The building, commonly known as the "1794 Meetinghouse", was the second Meetinghouse constructed on this site in New Salem. The first structure was raised in 1739; by 1794, the building was too small and the First Church of New Salem, incorporated as the Congregational Society, determined that it needed a larger structure to house its growing congregation and meet the civic needs of New Salem. It was decided to build a new Meetinghouse measuring fifty-eight feet by forty-four feet, with forty-five pews on the floor and nineteen in the gallery.
The old Meetinghouse was moved to the Northeast corner of the town common and was rebuilt to serve as the site of the New Salem Academy, founded 1795. By December of 1795, the new Meetinghouse was completed and was considered the finest in architectural design in Hampshire County (now divided into Hampshire and Franklin Counties) at that time.
There is no evidence of alteration to the structure until 1837, when the building was deemed unsafe for public worship. $1,250 was raised through the sale of 100 shares of community stock for repairs to the structure. Records from the period indicate that the Meetinghouse, which faced North, was raised to rotate one-quarter to the east. Evidence suggests that the turning was symbolic with the remodeling redefining the building’s orientation in keeping with the Greek Revival style. The new east entrances, flanked by pilasters, included a portico supported by pillars. A belfry, bell and steeple were added. At the same, the interior was remodeled and the pews were configured to face the new pulpit, looking to the west instead of the north while extensive painting and plaster work was done. After 1845, the Congregational Society was not able to maintain a regular minister because of shrinking membership and finances. Services continued sporadically until 1929, but the Society continued in existence and instituted annual commemorative meetings in 1969, using the collection proceeds for maintenance of the building. Although religious activities virtually ceased by 1845, the public use of the building was extensive. As the largest meeting space in the town (seating approximately 180), it was an ideal venue for town meetings, public performances, graduations and other activities of the nearby New Salem Academy located across the Town Common. The lack of financial resources, however, meant that improvements and alterations were minimal. A thrust stage on the west end replaced the pulpit in the 1860's and the raised wood paneling and pews were painted shortly thereafter. In 1862, the portico and its pillars were removed and the acorn and weathervane mounted on top of the steeple. The building was used for town meetings and New Salem Academy graduations until the construction of a new Town hall in 1934. Through the 1950's it was the site of Academy reunions and town celebrations such as the Fourth of July, despite the lack of restroom facilities. In 1978, the New Salem Common Historic District, including the Meetinghouse, was accepted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1987, the Congregational Society transferred ownership of the building to the town of New Salem, which then leased the building to the non-profit organization, 1794 Meetinghouse, Inc., in order to seek state funding to repair the building for use as a performing arts facility. A $150,000 Civic Center grant was obtained which stabilized the exterior and funded architectural drawings for the complete renovation. Since 1990, incremental interior repairs (electrical upgrade, ceiling plaster repair, handicapped access) have been made which have allowed the building to be used on a limited warm weather basis for cultural performances. To view photographs of the 1997 restoration in progress, click here. In 1994, the restored building opened for its first summer performance season and has since become recognized as the only facility in the North Quabbin area to offer high-quality, yet affordable, artistic events reminiscent of big-city venues. Primary Source for the above information is: Mark W. Harris Among the Dry Bones: Liberal Religion in New Salem, Massachusetts Historical Information Project, Connecticut Valley District, Unitarian Universalist Association, 1981.
1794 Meetinghouse, Inc.
And thanks for becoming part of the 1794 Meetinghouse family.
|
 |
