RESTORING A TREASURE OF LENOX
The Lenox Meeting House is more than a landmark, it’s a symbol of connection, tradition, and community. Built in 1805 and dedicated for use on January 1, 1806, this beloved space has served many roles throughout its history, from town hall to house of worship. Today, the Friends of the Lenox Meeting House are working to return it to its roots: a welcoming, accessible space where people come together.
With your help, we’re restoring the building, improving accessibility, and opening the doors to concerts, celebrations, classes, and cultural events year-round. It’s time to bring the Meeting House back to life, for everyone.
A PLACE FOR GATHERING, GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY
The Lenox Meeting House has long stood as witness to the power of community. Our vision is to restore and reimagine this historic space, turning it into a year-round, accessible hub not only for Sunday worship services but also other sorts of gatherings for learning and connection.
From musical performances to community dinners and educational programs, the possibilities are endless. With your support, we’re bringing that vision to life.
PRESERVING THE PAST
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
OUR MULTI-PHASE RESTORATION EFFORT IS TRANSFORMING THE MEETING HOUSE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
The Friends of the Lenox Meeting House aims to restore, reconfigure, and preserve the building for future generations, and to expand use of the space. We are raising funds to achieve three goals:
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Preservation – Fund preservation of the beloved Meeting House that's been on the hilltop of Lenox for 220 years.
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Accessibility – Make the Meeting House ADA compliant, with an improved washroom and entries, a rebuilt ramp, and a lift to the balcony; and to upgrade insulating and heating so it's available affordably year-round.
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Community – Open the Meeting House to cultural and community events by adding a kitchenette, improving the lighting, and replacing the current seating with movable pews.
Phase I began in 2021 included the clock face and tower. The clock, which had been out of commission for years, was automated and its hands were replaced. The two clock faces were repaired, the architectural details of the tower were restored, and the clock and the tower repainted. The weathervane was polished and now beams over Lenox again. Phase I was completed in January 2025.
Phase II spanned 2025-2026 and included the restoration of all 34 windows, making 27 double-hung windows operable again. It also involved the repair of four exterior-facing doors, the relocation and partial repair of the handicap ramp, and the rebuilding of the front steps so to restore this as the primary southerly entrance of the building.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE MEETING HOUSE
PHASE III WILL UNDERTAKE THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING. THE BOARD HIRED ARCHITECTURAL FIRM JUSTER POPE FRAZIER TO ESTABLISH SCHEMATICS, TO HELP US APPLY FOR STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS, AND TO HOME IN ON DETAILS AND LIKELY COSTS . THIS IS ALL TO THE AIM OF ANCHORING THE BUILDING IN ITS HISTORICAL AESTHETIC WHILE FREEING IT FOR MANY FUTURE USES.
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Replacing the existing fixed pews, which aren't original but were installed in 1886, with fewer and moveable ones for greater flexibility in the use of the space.
Removing the carpet to reveal and refinish the historic hardwood floors.
Updating the heating system. With a volume of 85,969 cubic feet, the Meeting House can't keep warm on a cold winter's day from these two vents.
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Installing a full kitchenette, a sacristy, and a workspace, this small hallway having struggled inadequately for decades to be all three.
Installing a three-stop lift, from floor to altar to balcony, and rebuilding these steep stairs, to make the building entirely barrier free.
Adding on to this low railing which in its current state prohibits the use of the balcony.
Making even the floor, especially from the narthex to the sanctuary where this 2.5 inch difference poses a hazard.
Building ductwork that is less intrusive and more effective.
Carving out much needed storage space.
Redesigning the bathroom so it meets modern ADA standards for ease of use.
A COMMUNITY PROJECT THAT NEEDS YOU
We want to be sure that the Meeting House is an accessible, affordable community space, where all are welcome, but we need your help to achieve this goal. To contribute to the campaign, please visit the donate page.