What is the Williamstown Meetinghouse Preservation Fund?  

The Williamstown Meetinghouse Preservation Fund, Inc. (WMPF) was created to renovate and preserve in the future the structure that is the Meetinghouse, currently owned by First Congregational Church of Williamstown. The Historic Meetinghouse is defined as the entirety of the building at 906 Main Street, Williamstown. WMPF is organized as an independent, nonprofit corporation established for the purpose of raising funds by public subscription, grants, and pledges of outright gifts and funds to accomplish renovation, restoration, and preservation of the historic Meetinghouse. WMPF is also responsible to contract with purveyors, contractors etc. to accomplish this goal. One of WMPF’s most important goals is to improve the Meetinghouse building to better meet the needs of the Williamstown community.  No funds raised will be used for religious, denominational or congregational enterprises.  WMPF’s board includes individuals in the community who are not congregational members.  The WMPF board is completely separate from congregational governance.  WMPF will coordinate with the congregation regarding capital needs and building projects. A copy of the agreement between the congregation and WMPF is attached.

WMPF recognizes and respects the Caplan vs Acton decision regarding use of public funds.  In order to emphasize separation between religious and community use of the Meetinghouse the request for CPA funding includes only areas of need that address community access and provide community benefit.

The Meetinghouse has a distinguished architectural history and is visually and functionally central to Williamstown. Funds are needed to renovate, restore, and update the building, funds that are beyond the resources available from the congregation.