CHESTERVILLE — The Chesterville Center Union Meetinghouse is ready for use after the floor joists were repaired earlier this year.

An open house is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the building at Borough and Zion’s Hill roads.

“Our nonprofit board is pleased to invite the public to this holiday open house to see what a great space the Meetinghouse is, to share memories of past experiences and to explore its potential for a variety of events and uses,” said Carolyn Drugge, spokesman for the board.

Built in 1851, the years took a structural toll on the building. With the help of several volunteers, who worked five days this summer, and discounted materials from Hammond Lumber, the work was completed, she said.

The building has been used by a number of denominations over the years. At times, itinerant preachers were used. A few meetings have been held there.

“It’s pretty much the way it was,” she said of the arrangement of pews, a place for a stage and the original pulpit.

A storm caused damage in the 1960s, requiring a new roof and quite a bit of repair work.

A charter for the corporation, based on historical documents, was registered with the state in 1966. The intent was to use the building for community functions as well as a church, Drugge said.

The corporation includes several community members, all volunteers, many who remember going to church there as children.

The last congregation met there for a short time in 2007.

Now that the building is sturdy again, “we want to encourage people to think of ways it can be used by the community,” she said. The uses would be mostly confined to warmer weather because there is no heat, bathroom or water in the building.

For the open house, heaters will be used while the community enjoys a time of live music, refreshments and a Christmas carol sing-along. 

Historical information will be available and reminiscing is encouraged.

Community members are also welcome to bring a musical instrument along to join several young local musicians playing fiddle, guitar, cello and banjo in an open jam session. There is also a piano on site.

“Everyone’s welcome,” Drugge said.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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