Paula L. Gilman: Funds still needed to restore historic Gilmanton church

To The Daily Sun,

For nearly 180 years, the First Baptist Church has sat on the brow of the hill on Route 107 in Lower Gilmanton. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. In November 2019 the N.H. Preservation Alliance placed it on its 2019 "Seven to Save" list.

Seven to Save brings attention to threatened and endangered historic properties throughout New Hampshire. In December 2019 we were most fortunate to receive a generous grant of $81,600 from Land & Community Heritage Investment Program’s (LCHIP). We MUST match this grant prior to starting the restoration project. To match LCHIP we need to raise an additional $19,550.24.

We acknowledge the global pandemic and realize times are difficult now as our country and the world fights this unprecedented virus. Despite the ongoing pandemic and uncertain economic future of our country, we must go forward with our capital campaign as our focus remains the same — the Restoration of the First Baptist Church of Lower Gilmanton. Now, more than ever, we need an economic stimulus and our project will be helping essential local contractors keep their jobs and support their families.

Even though we have not been able to host fundraisers, to date we have raised $62,049.76 of the much needed $100,000 for phase one of our restoration project. We have a contractor who is able to begin the restoration project this summer and time is of the essence as during this last rainstorm there have been additional leaks in the roof into the interior of the church. We are so very grateful each time the fundraising campaign thermometers at the church continue to rise despite COVID 19 pandemic.

At this juncture, we are continuing to ask for donations in our efforts to preserve this Lower Gilmanton, nationally recognized, historic landmark. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and may be mailed to Gilmanton Historical Society, P.O. Box 236, Gilmanton, NH 03237 with a notation “Lower Gilmanton First Baptist Church.” Gifts will be noted for posterity. The Gilmanton Historical Society, a 501©3 non-profit organization, is acting as our sponsor and supports the restoration of this building and has generously donated to the cause. With your generous donation, restoration of this historic landmark will be able to begin this summer. Structural repairs include: stabilizing the granite foundation; a new roof; repairing and supporting the leaking bell tower; repairing and lining two chimneys; refurbishing two woodstoves; and updating the ADA ramp.

Paula L. Gilman, Warden

Susan Kelley Leclerc, Clerk

First Baptist Church of Lower Gilmanton