We are pleased to announce that Maugel Architects is providing the pro bono design services for The Old Church Renovation Project in Berlin MA. The historic Old Methodist Episcopal Church (OMEC) building will be called 19 Carter, a community gathering place. OMEC’s vision is to transform the old church into a place where people can drop in daily to enjoy comfortable reading chairs, quiet spaces, games and puzzles, and access free internet.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 5, 2012
Contact: Evy Dueck, OMEC president
Email: Evy@OldChurchRenovation.org
Phone: 978-273-8238
$50,000 Challenge Grant for Old Church Renovation Project in Berlin
The Old Church Renovation Project in Berlin, MA has received a challenge grant of $50,000 from the Robert Lloyd Corkin Charitable Foundation to be matched one-to-one for all cash gifts received before Dec. 31, 2012. Brothers Alvan and Herbert Corkin, co-owners of The Entwistle Company in Hudson, MA, established the foundation about 30 years ago. The Entwistle Company has been in the quality machine business since 1918 and it provides custom engineering, design, development and manufacturing services.
Located in Berlin town center, the colorful “Old Methodist Episcopal Church” has captured the imaginations of all who pass by. In 2008 a group of Berlin residents formed a non-profit corporation (OMEC) to restore this beautiful historic structure. They envisioned a use for the building that benefits and welcomes the whole community while preserving its history.
OMEC purchased the property in 2011. Structural renovations began with generous contributions of time and money from local individuals; corporate gifts from Riverbridge, Clinton Savings Bank and Saint-Gobain Corporation; and the pro bono services of architect Dan Barton of Maugel Architects, Ross Associates civil engineers, Skip Sawyer and Sons and many others.
"The timing of this challenge grant is fortuitous for our renovation,” says OMEC treasurer, Mary Porter. “We have stabilized the building by replacing the damaged tower post and structural timbers and are ready to pour a new foundation. Volunteers have emptied the basement, cleared brush and removed old chimney and foundation bricks. Behind the scenes floor plans are being finalized to optimize the space and realize our vision for its use.”
Once renovations are complete –estimated 2013 – the building will be called 19 Carter, a community gathering place. OMEC’s vision is to transform the old church into a place where people can drop in daily to enjoy comfortable reading chairs, quiet spaces, games and puzzles, and access free internet. Art work by local artists and craftspeople will be displayed and sold, and the restored landmark will host live music in the evenings; a spacious bulletin board for all town happenings; and an outdoor venue for weekend herb festivals, farmers markets and ice-cream socials. This new gathering place will complement existing town center activities at Lowes General Store, the 1870 Town Hall, the Berlin Public Library and the First Parish Church.
The goal for 2012 is to raise $125,000 to celebrate the building’s 125 year anniversary. Gifts of up to $50,000 received by Dec. 31, 2012 will be matched by the challenge grant from the Robert L. Corkin Charitable Foundation to help meet this goal. For information about the project go to www.OldChurchRenovation.org, or contact OMEC president Evy Dueck at 978-273-8238.
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