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Help Needed to Save Old Church

Story Published: Jun 25, 2012 at 8:37 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 25, 2012 at 8:37 PM EDT

Garry Matthews has many fond memories of attending religious services inside the Beech Plains Union Free Church as a young child:
 
"We had a real hellfire and brimstone preacher and I remember, being little, I'd get down onto the pew so that I didn't have to sit up and look at him," said Matthews.                                                  
 
The church was built more than 137 years ago as a place of worship for all faiths, but age is taking its toll.

Since 1875, the steeple has weathered north country storms and historic events.

The church floor has rotted to the point it is unsafe.

Windows have broken.

While the church no longer has regular services, dozens of baptisms, weddings and funerals have been held inside the century-old sanctuary, which has played a major role in local lives for generations.
 
"Our kids were baptized in this church," said William Brewer, who attended Union Free Church.                                 
 
Members of the Church Association and Ladies Aide Society are launching a small capital fundraising campaign to preserve the small church, with the hope that one day wedding celebrations and funerals will be able to be resumed here.
 
Without an active congregation, the cost of the necessary restoration work is expensive.

That's why organizers are hoping they'll be able to secure enough donations to help defray some of the costs.
 
If you are interested in helping preserve a piece of the hamlet's past, donations may be mailed in care of the Beech Plains Ladies Aide Society, Cathy Connolly, 62 Bay Street, Potsdam NY, 13676.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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