Bishop’s Church Extension Fund

Call #3, Summer 2009

Holy Trinity, Hillsdale

Parish Hall Roof and Ceiling

Holy Trinity has a talent for recycling buildings, making do with what is available, and renovating what they have.  Established in 1890, the congregation has worshipped in 4 different locations, including a room over the railroad station in the early days.  The present church was completed in 1966 and the mortgage burned in 1977. A chapel built in 1980 used the stained glass from the pre-1966 church.

The history of holy Trinity’s parish halls is even more unusual.  The first parish hall was an old store renovated for congregational use.  This was replaced in 1923 using a surplus World War 1 barracks.

Over time the parish hall has had several renovations and upgrades, but this year the roof was so deteriorated that the ceiling below also began to disintegrate.

This Third BCEF call is to help the congregation do these essential repairs which are scheduled to begin in August.

The congregation has raised $15,500 from its members.  The Ward Herbert Fund has provided $14,750.  The total cost is $37,500. (The Church Insurance Company will pay for the water damage to the walls.) This BCEF call will provide the shortfall.  Holy Trinity would have been able to bear more of the cost had not emergency plumbing repairs in the bathrooms not diverted funds this spring.

The Rev. Briggett Keith, rector since 2007, reports that the parish hall is used 80% of the time by community groups as an important outreach ministry. Of course, it also provides a gathering place for the congregation.

Your generosity is much appreciated.
 

In Peace, 

The Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith

Bishop of Newark