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

Meetinghouse Preservation Project Update – Summer 2022

 Estimated Total Project Cost  $525,000  

We have reached our goal! Sincere thanks to all donors for helping us to successfully fundraise for the Meetinghouse Preservation Project!

In 2021, Arron Sturgis and his team at Preservation Timberframing LLC accomplished the repairs needed to the steeple. The exterior scraping and painting is in the process of being completed this summer. The repair and painting of the sanctuary ceiling is anticipated in the winter/early spring of 2023.

We are so very grateful for the generosity of our church members, Preservation Partners and the entire Chester community!

  • 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.

Meetinghouse Preservation Partners:

Town of Chester

Chester Historical Society

Granite State Communications

Peabody Funeral Homes