CONSIDER IT SAVED!
Erected in 1731 by local puritan families, the Jamesport Meeting House, on the corner of Manor Lane and the Main Road (Route 25), is the oldest surviving structure in the township of Riverhead and the oldest surviving religious building on the entire east end!
Its founding pastor, in fact, was Nathaniel Mather of the New England family that included Cotton Mather of Salem witchcraft fame.
Until last week, however, the fate of this architectural gem was uncertain. That’s because the buildings owner-First Parish Church of Sound Avenue, Northville, which had acquired the structure in the 1970’s when two Congregation churches merged-decided to put the surplus structure up for sale to shore up its own dismal treasury and relieve it of the responsibility of taking care of a building it could no longer afford.
Its founding pastor, in fact, was Nathaniel Mather of the New England family that included Cotton Mather of Salem witchcraft fame.
Until last week, however, the fate of this architectural gem was uncertain. That’s because the buildings owner-First Parish Church of Sound Avenue, Northville, which had acquired the structure in the 1970’s when two Congregation churches merged-decided to put the surplus structure up for sale to shore up its own dismal treasury and relieve it of the responsibility of taking care of a building it could no longer afford.
The fear was that it could fall into the hands of a developer who might convert the 276 year old historic jewel into commercial use-perhaps even a Starbucks! This quickly attracted the attention of a determined group of preservation minded Jamesporters, who formed what they called the Jamesport Meeting House Preservation Trust.
The group managed to arrange short term financing from Bridgehampton National Bank. Members themselves also agreed to put up substantial loans of their own. After several months of negotiations, the elders of the First Baptist Church agreed to accept the group’s offer, which neither side has disclosed.
According to Richard Wines, Chairman of Riverhead's Historic Preservation Commission and a member of the Preservation Trust, the transaction is expected to close in April.
Richard said that “were all quite daunted by all of this and they’re delighted to have this transaction under way, but obviously our work is just beginning.”
He also said that a major fundraising effort would have to begin, and “cookie sales won’t cut it”, he said. “The buildings need work and we’re committed to its renovation and making it available to the community.”
The expressed confidence that support would be forthcoming. “There’s been a lot of interest expressed in Jamesport and throughout the east end about preserving this building. We certainly anticipate that people will step up with significant contributions.”
Written by Doc/DSNY
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