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.

Meetinghouse Preservation Partners:

Town of Chester

Chester Historical Society

Granite State Communications

Peabody Funeral Homes