Center Meeting House

On June 18, the Center Meeting House was re-dedicated in a wonderful day and evening of celebration. Here are some highlights of the day's festivities:

Dan Wolf, second from the right, Chairman of the Board of Directors, leads the Board in the first official ringing of the Meeting House's renovated bell. Dan is joined by (from left) Bill Weiler, head of the Architectural and Restoration Committee; Linda Plunket, Board member; Claire Vannatta, Treasurer; Barbara Steward, head of the Membership Committee; Joy Nowell, Board member; Chuck Kennedy, Vice Chairman; Dan and Senator Bob Odell.

Nothing exemplifies the fine new finish and fresh look of the newly restored CMH more than the apple green paint seen on the pulpit.  A restoration painter spent weeks meticulously cleaning the original paint and touching up any flaws that he encountered.

Chuck Kennedy, previously the President of the Board of Trustees, officiated over the ceremony by welcoming visitors, introducing speakers and entertaining us on the organ.  Hall recalls coming to Newbury for the first time over a half century ago to woo a young lady who lived on the lake.  Chuck is truly a man for all seasons.

Jim Powell, Chairman of Newbury's Board of Selectmen, congratulated the people of Newbury and both the Center Meeting House Board of Directors and its members for their dedication in completing the restoration, and for adding to the fine appearance of the central district of Newbury, thereby enhancing the other many fine improvements to the town of the past few years.

Michael Bruss, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the NH Preservation Alliance, presented Dan Wolf with the 2011 Preservation Achievement Award.  He praised the CMH quality of work, the project's innovation, the degree of accomplishment and recognized the level of community support.

Senator Bob Odell congratulated the people of Newbury for this extraordinary accomplishment and read a Commendation from John H. Lynch, the Governor of New Hampshire.

Doug Whelan, Board member and head of the Fundraising Committee, thanked the assembled members for their financial support used for the restoration, and praised the town of Newbury and its citizens for their willingness to do great things.

Chuck Kennedy, CMH Vice Chairman of the Board, officiated and entertained those in attendance on the historic pedal-powered organ.

Later in the day, over 125 people were serenaded in the newly restored Center Meeting house by Elisabeth Von Trapp and Paul Asbell, who accompanied her on guitar.

Gloria Whelan, Events Chair for the Center Meeting House, is proud of the many fine events that the Meeting House has brought to Newbury and notes that most of the performances have been brought to the town free of charge as a way of saying Thank You to our citizens for their financial support for this undertaking.  

Photos by Maureen Rosen and Tom Nowell. Thanks to them for these and so many other photos throughout the years!