Chester’s Historic Meeting House:
The iconic landmark at the center of Chester

1773 – Built
1836 – Last Chester annual town meeting held in building
1839 – Major remodeling
Turned 90 degrees and retains 1773 frame
Greek revival front gable with spired steeple added
1881 – Clock installed
Town of Chester owns and maintains the clock
1957 – Town votes $400 for steeple foundation work
1986 – Added to National Register of Historic Places
2005-06 – “Save Our Steeple” Project
2019 – Three year capital fund campaign to be initiated

Assessment done of building’s condition

Overall the building is in very good shape

April 2018 by Preservation Timber Framing Inc.
Church Existing Conditions Assessment
Church Photo Report
Church Assessment Documents

Foundation in excellent shape
Timber framing is mostly in excellent shape
Clapboard siding in good shape

Problems

Leaks in steeple have resulted in rot in belfry beams and damage to ceiling of meeting room
Exterior needs scraping and painting
Shutters need to be replaced or refurbished
Window glazing needs to be repaired
Retaining wall needs to be rebuilt

Condition of Steeple and Other Estimated Costs

Belfry Timber Frame Repair: (includes staging) $102,650
Belfry Roof Trim and Copper Cladding: $58,050
Tower Box Roof in Copper: $66,700
Tympanum Repair and Copper Shelf Flashing: $10,000
Tower Base Flashing and Trim Repairs: Completed

Repair and paint sanctuary ceiling: $43,185
Exterior Preparation and Painting: $70,125
Exterior Shutters: $33,750
Window Glazing and Repair: $40,200
Foundation Repair: $7,125
Contingency (10%): $43,179

Photographs provided by Preservation Timber Framing, Inc.

Estimated Total Project Cost: $475,000

Our facility needs extensive maintenance and repairs to be preserved. To acquire these funds, we have set up a Meetinghouse Preservation Project. Your donations are greatly appreciated towards our goal. You can donate by mail, by attending service, or through the “Donate” button below. If donating online, approximately 2% of your donation will go to PayPal.