Saving an Amherst Landmark
HISTORY
The old Amherst Baptist Church was the home of that church's congregation until 2005. Its sanctuary was constructed in 1882, making it the second oldest religious structure still standing in the Town of Amherst.
Amherst County purchased the building with intentions to re-purpose it for government office space but studies proved that it wasn't financially wise. They started discussions of demolition to clear space for a metal office building in its place. That's when this merry band of citizens spoke up and asked to discover alternative uses.
The old Amherst Baptist Church was the home of that church's congregation until 2005. Its sanctuary was constructed in 1882, making it the second oldest religious structure still standing in the Town of Amherst.
Amherst County purchased the building with intentions to re-purpose it for government office space but studies proved that it wasn't financially wise. They started discussions of demolition to clear space for a metal office building in its place. That's when this merry band of citizens spoke up and asked to discover alternative uses.
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Starting in 2012, a grassroots group took the initiative to save a historic structure in the heart of Amherst, VA, and to re-purpose it as a creative community center. Located in the middle of a vibrant village, the goal was to provide a gathering place for public events such as performances, meetings, classes and workshops, community forums, and a farmers' market. The complete dream was to provide studios and office spaces for rent.
All of those things are now happening! In 2015, Second Stage | Amherst signed a five-year lease with Amherst County allowing this not-for-profit organization the opportunity to convert the historic building into a center for creativity and community! We have installed handicapped-accessible facilities, repainted the beautiful pressed metal ceiling in the performance space, and upgraded the HVAC systems. The original pews have been replaced with stackable chairs for flexible space use. Our studio spaces are rented by artists, classes and small businesses. Many area organizations are holding regular meetings in our public spaces. |
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Values
We believe that continued use of historic structures anchors healthy communities.
We believe that access to arts and culture enriches the fabric of community life.
We believe that citizen participation makes a difference in the lives of both individuals and communities.
We believe that the success of local small business contributes to a thriving community.
We believe that continued use of historic structures anchors healthy communities.
We believe that access to arts and culture enriches the fabric of community life.
We believe that citizen participation makes a difference in the lives of both individuals and communities.
We believe that the success of local small business contributes to a thriving community.
Building Use Policy
Second Stage | Amherst, Inc, as a community cultural organization, provides a place for education, entertainment, and enrichment. Our building is a government property that is leased to Second Stage; we operate as a free and open forum. We believe that public discourse and a free marketplace of ideas are the bedrock of a strong democracy. All programs at Second Stage will enjoy the protection of freedom of speech, whether produced by Second Stage, its long-term tenants or organizations and individuals unrelated to Second Stage who utilize its short-term rental spaces.
These protections and privileges, however, will only be allowed in the spirit of tolerance, respect, and common decency. We do not condone programs or productions whose words or actions inflict injury, incite a breach of the peace, provoke violence, engender discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or creed, or otherwise run counter to law. The Board of Directors of Second Stage reserves the right to refuse or to halt, even in mid-production, any program that is determined to be counter to these stipulations or does not serve the mission of the organization. An offending individual or organization may be henceforth prohibited from access to Second Stage.
Second Stage | Amherst, Inc, as a community cultural organization, provides a place for education, entertainment, and enrichment. Our building is a government property that is leased to Second Stage; we operate as a free and open forum. We believe that public discourse and a free marketplace of ideas are the bedrock of a strong democracy. All programs at Second Stage will enjoy the protection of freedom of speech, whether produced by Second Stage, its long-term tenants or organizations and individuals unrelated to Second Stage who utilize its short-term rental spaces.
These protections and privileges, however, will only be allowed in the spirit of tolerance, respect, and common decency. We do not condone programs or productions whose words or actions inflict injury, incite a breach of the peace, provoke violence, engender discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or creed, or otherwise run counter to law. The Board of Directors of Second Stage reserves the right to refuse or to halt, even in mid-production, any program that is determined to be counter to these stipulations or does not serve the mission of the organization. An offending individual or organization may be henceforth prohibited from access to Second Stage.
We are
... asking for assistance from community volunteers and organizations with a skill and knowledge to help with the restoration of this historic structure.
... offering rental agreements for short term rentals
... encouraging all to remember this new beautiful center for community when scheduling your next event.
... planning performances for the coming seasons. If you have a great idea for a performance, let us know. And if want to be alerted about what's upcoming, be sure to sign up for our newsletter on our Contact page.
... asking for assistance from community volunteers and organizations with a skill and knowledge to help with the restoration of this historic structure.
... offering rental agreements for short term rentals
... encouraging all to remember this new beautiful center for community when scheduling your next event.
... planning performances for the coming seasons. If you have a great idea for a performance, let us know. And if want to be alerted about what's upcoming, be sure to sign up for our newsletter on our Contact page.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charlene (Suny) Monk, President - Former Executive Director of the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Margaret McCanna, Secretary - Business Manager, Photographer
Chris Badgett, Director - Director of Choral Music at Amherst Middle School
David Butcher, Director - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Wanda Smith, Director - Supervisor of Math, Science, Gifted, and Elective Programs
Krista Templeton, Director - Recruitment Manager
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessy Shipe
Charlene (Suny) Monk, President - Former Executive Director of the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Margaret McCanna, Secretary - Business Manager, Photographer
Chris Badgett, Director - Director of Choral Music at Amherst Middle School
David Butcher, Director - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Wanda Smith, Director - Supervisor of Math, Science, Gifted, and Elective Programs
Krista Templeton, Director - Recruitment Manager
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessy Shipe
