CNBNews

(Trenton, New Jersey)(MAY 19, 2023)(CNBNEWS)- – After 11 years of stewardship for the 1867 Sanctuary in Ewing Township, New Jersey, Preservation New Jersey (“PNJ”) has ended its lease and returned the site back to the Presbytery of the Coastlands. PNJ and the Presbytery entered a lease agreement on May 1, 2012, which granted PNJ full responsibility for the landmark, including the necessary repair, rehabilitation, and reuse of the building. The 1867 Sanctuary, formerly used by the First Presbyterian Church of Ewing congregation, was once slated for demolition. The partnership between both organizations was made to ensure a successful outcome. Through managing restoration, presenting programming and guiding reuse of the site, success was achieved.

The 1867 Sanctuary had a history of structural concerns related to its roof trusses and stone walls. After debris from the building fell in 2007, it prompted the township to prohibit use of the building, the congregation was given an estimate of more than $2.5 million for repairs. Unable to afford the work, the difficult decision to demolish the structure was made by the church governing board in 2008. Concurrently however, church and community members sought alternative options and financial support for the building. This group contacted PNJ for assistance. PNJ helped to find insurance for the building and named the structure to New Jersey’s “Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites” list in 2009. Soon after, an advocacy coalition raised well over $200,000. 

During the years of PNJ’s lease of the Sanctuary, inspections revealed no major structural concerns, however the building needed rehabilitation due to years of closure. Exterior work was performed on the stone near the entry doors where severe weathering had occurred; repairs were made to external window areas and work completed to seal areas of the slate roof. The interior was repainted, HVAC and mechanical upgrades were performed, and new electrical, lighting, sound system and security systems installed. In addition, the pulpit was removed as were a few front pews to make for flexible space for performances as well as for seating, and the organ was completely refurbished. An adaptive reuse study was conducted that included two public sessions with the local community. A variety of options were presented for possible reuse. The building reopened to the public in 2015. All work was the result of grant funds, corporate donations, and individual donations made specifically for the 1867 Sanctuary. For several years, weekly concerts and private performances were held at the site. The Sanctuary was also rented for weddings, funerals, and memorial services.

Reverend Dr. Fred Garry, President of the Trustees for Coastlands Presbytery, thanked PNJ for managing the 1867 Sanctuary over the past decade. “Preservation New Jersey laid the groundwork for using sacred space as community space, bringing regional support to the table and modeling how to run a nonprofit. We are pleased to see members of the church and community step into this role now.”

PNJ President Paul Muir shared that “PNJ focuses on preservation education and advocacy. The 1867 Sanctuary allowed PNJ to put into action, as an example, the principles they share with historic sites and commissions throughout the state. Once stabilized with established programming options PNJ exuberantly hands the baton to an enthusiastic community group who will continue this work. PNJ looks forward to using these practical lessons learned to continue supporting other groups looking to preserve historic sites within their communities.”

The work by various partners and PNJ on the restoration of the 1867 Sanctuary highlights ways in which adaptive reuse can be successful and how its methodology in securing the right partnerships can provide new life into empty historic structures. It is PNJ’s hope that projects such as these can be seen as an example for other historic sites and districts. Moving ahead, the 1867 Sanctuary will be operated and programmed by a new and local friends’ group to host arts and other community gatherings and functions. Visitors, residents, and organizations can also permit the use of the building as a meeting or event space throughout the year.

Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is a nonprofit organization that helps homeowners, organizations, public officials, and citizen advocates working to preserve the historic neighborhoods and sites that are important to our communities. Preservation New Jersey produces this annual list of New Jersey's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in addition to other advocacy programs; provides educational workshops; publishes an interactive website; serves as a resource for technical assistance and general advice for the public; and addresses legislation and public policies that impact New Jersey's historic places and communities. Visit Preservation New Jersey’s website at www.preservationnj.org for more information regarding the organization.

For more information or inquiries, please contact at [email protected]