• Preservation Trust formed
• Mortgage financing secured
• Meeting House purchased
• Restoration and fundraising begun

The future of the Meeting House was uncertain. In 1972 the Jamesport Congregational Church merged with the Sound Avenue Congregational Church to form First Parish. At first, the combined congregation alternated with the seasons between the two buildings, but more recently it consolidated in the larger Sound Avenue structure and leased the Jamesport Meeting House first to the House of Praise and more recently, on a month-to-month basis, to the North Fork Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Several years ago, First Parish decided it needed to sell the property to ensure the continued survival of its congregation and support its new ministries.

Many in the community were distressed that after 277 years this historic gem might fall into private hands. First Parish was doing everything it could to attract a preservation-minded buyer. Nevertheless, community members feared that, even if the initial buyer was dedicated to the preservation of the building, it could easily be resold for any use once it was in private hands – especially since it is in the middle of the Jamesport commercial district and has hamlet center zoning. Moreover, even though the landmark status gives some protection to the exterior, community members worried that a new owner could conceivably do anything they wanted to the beautiful interior.

In response to this threat, members of the community gathered together about a year ago and started strategizing as to how to keep the historic meeting house in community hands. After considering several alternatives, the group decided to form the self-perpetuating Jamesport Meeting House Preservation Trust.

The Board of the Preservation Trust quickly realized that it would be impossible to raise the necessary funds prior to purchase the meeting house. First Parish wanted to move forward quickly and needed an all-cash deal. Other potential buyers were circling and at least one other attractive offer was on the table. In response to this challenge, the Trust arranged short-term loans from several friends of the Meeting House to fund part of the purchase. A mortgage from Bridgehampton National Bank provided the remaining funds needed. With financing in place, the trust was able purchase the Meeting House, but must now raise the funds to pay off the mortgages and restore and operate the facility for the benefit of the community.

The Preservation Trust is leasing the meeting house for Sunday worship to the North Fork Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. In the future the Preservation Trust hopes to make the Meeting House the home of other community-based groups – both secular and religious. The Preservation Trust also plans to lease the parsonage next door to provide another stream of revenue to support the long term restoration and preservation of the Meeting House