A statement released by the church and received by Gossips today reads in part:
It is the sincere hope by the church that this action is a temporary solution and that funds necessary to restore and repair the window will be quickly found. We ask the community for their patience and generosity in helping us obtain the monies so desperately needed to make the window once again a centerpiece among Warren Street's wonderful architectural treasures. Donations designated for the window can be mailed to the church at 369 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534.The First Presbyterian Church is an integral part of our community in so many ways. If you can add Hudson's most historic church to your list of holiday gift recipients, please do.
Yesterday I discussed Newburgh's Dutch Reform Church with Bill Krattinger, a state historic preservation specialist. He reported that the 1835 Greek Revival structure, an A.J. Davis design, may be too far gone to save.
ReplyDeleteI thank the folks at Hudson's First Presbyterian for taking these sad but necessary steps.
The DRC in Newburgh is a beautiful and fascinating building that I studied five years ago when researching an identically-rendered, early Italianate (ca 1837) just down the street. The saddest (and sometimes most rewarding) experiences I have involve consulting with the owners of landmark churches throughout New York and New England. The typical situation is a nineteenth century, hulking masonry structure with a slate or clay tile roof.
ReplyDeleteErected when labor was inexpensive, the pews were full and offering plates over-flowing, the structures are now home to dwindling congregations and non-secular owners of moderate means. Flashing assemblies have long since failed, maintenance has been deferred for decades, and interior systems (HVAC) are on their last leg. Unless an endowment exists to dip into, sale and adaptive re-use are the often only option (I don't consider demolition by neglect an option.)
In Watervliet (Albany County) they're arguing to knock down a cathedral-like church for a new Price Chopper: (http://preservationinaction.blogspot.com/2012/10/saving-st-patricks-church-in-watervliet.html) I wish the folks at Hudson's First Presbyterian the best of luck and refer them to the NY Landmarks Conservancy's "Sacred Sites" grant program: (http://www.nylandmarks.org/programs_services/grants/)
I have assisted churches in the past by providing a free conditions assessment (a component often required with the grant application) and would be happy to do so for them if that fits into their plans.
How much money do they need to raise?
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