A grassroots group of Londonderry residents is stepping forward with plans to raise the money needed to restore the town-owned Meetinghouse building across from the Town Common.
The effort comes after two warrant articles related to the historic structure failed during the March town election.
Following those defeats, Town Manager Shaun Mulholland was tasked with developing options for the future of the property.
During the Monday night, June 1, Town Council meeting, Mulholland outlined several possible paths forward, including selling, leasing or demolishing the building. He also shared feedback gathered during a recent public listening session focused on the Meetinghouse’s future.
According to Mulholland, many residents who attended the session expressed support for restoring the building and reimagining its role in the community.
He said he has also been in discussions with several residents interested in organizing fundraising efforts to help finance the restoration project.
Mulholland told councilors he does not believe there is an immediate need to make a decision regarding the structure.
“We are going to take steps to prevent the water from getting in there at a really low cost,” he said.
Prior to Mulholland’s presentation, several residents addressed the council regarding their efforts to preserve the building.
Resident Ray Breslin introduced a newly formed organization called Friends of the Meetinghouse at Londonderry and distributed informational pamphlets to council members. Fellow members Ann Chiampa, David Ellis and Robin Stewart also came forward to speak on the matter.
The group’s “Save the Meetinghouse” pamphlet highlights the building’s history and encourages community involvement in preservation efforts.
The pamphlet states: “Be Part of the Effort to Preserve Our Town’s Story.”
It notes that the Third West Parish Meetinghouse has stood for more than 250 years because generations of residents worked together to preserve it. The document encourages residents to join the organization, volunteer their skills, attend meetings and events, share information about the project and contribute to a restoration fund.
The pamphlet also emphasizes the building’s significance to the town’s history.
“This isn’t just an old building,” the document states. “It’s the place where Londonderry’s early residents worshipped, debated, voted and built the foundations of the town we live in today.”
The flyer describes the Meetinghouse as a former town hall, library, community center and gathering place that has served generations of residents.
After hearing Mulholland’s presentation and public comments, Councilor Shaun Faber expressed support for giving the group an opportunity to pursue its plans.
“I think we should give this group a chance,” Faber said. “It’s passionate people that got together and want to take a shot at saving a building that is very important to them and other members of the community. I think we should give them that opportunity.”
Faber also cautioned that the group should be given a timeline to demonstrate progress, noting that discussions about restoring the building have continued for years without a resolution.
Councilor Dan Bouchard echoed those concerns.
“I agree that something needs to get done,” Bouchard said. “The last thing I want to see is us just delay and delay. Let people know what the plan is.”
Moving forward, council members indicated they would like to hear additional details from the Friends of the Meetinghouse regarding their fundraising goals, restoration plans and a proposed timeline before determining the next steps.