A special meeting on October 3rd was called for by Chairman Stanley Young. The meeting was held in the lower level of the library and members included Corinne Blagbrough, Robert Chouinard, Michael Dell Orto, Leslie Wharton, Gail Hoar and Stanley Young. Also in attendance was Jesse Salisbury, Wilton reporter for the Nashua Telegraph.
We were there to see what we could do to save, protect and use the old Wilton Baptist Church in Wilton Center which was soon to be offered for sale. The church, which is now called The Good News Bible Church, is one of the oldest churches in the state, having been built in 1827.
We were unanimous in our wish to purchase the building to save this local treasure and landmark as it is of great historical significance to us all. Some of the many uses discussed were to make it the home of the Wilton Historical Society as well as a meeting place for the Heritage Commission, Women’s Club and other local groups. It could also be a recital hall where small music groups could be heard in concert.
Our biggest concern is raising the $225,000 asking price for the church. Although LCHIP and other grants were mentioned as well as putting it on a town warrant article for town meeting in March, all are either too little or too late for us to move forward NOW.
Robert suggested a fund raising campaign for twice the amount so extra money could be used for repairs to the old building in the future. This idea did not seem to go well with other members. This is also a long way down the road, but if a down payment could be raised from private citizens now to bring about a purchase and sales agreement it, would hold the building until funds are raised.
Stanley will talk to the church elders as to what their timetable is for the purchase of their new building and to see if there is some way to work out a plan to help out both parties.
In the meantime, we will ask Dick Rockwood for an appraisal and Jesse Salisbury will write up a feature in the Nashua Telegraph to inform the public.
Robert A. Chouinard: Secretary