Catch this fun "drone" video of one of our 2nd Street Farmers' Markets, created for us by Duane Watts.
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Second Stage | Amherst receives first VCA grant Second Stage|Amherst has received a $7,500 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts to be used for startup funding for things such as part-time staffing and office equipment, and also for equipment needed for performances and exhibitions. While the grant is quite generous, it is not meant to completely fund these needs, but rather to help subsidize contributions from the public. The mission of Second Stage is to be a center for creativity and community, to create a place for use by and for the enjoyment of all residents of Amherst County and its visitor. It is our responsibility to make this beautiful dream grow. In reviewing the grant application, the VCA review panel offered the following comments:
Gifts received, too! Helping these and other grant dollars go further, board member Cooke Harvey and his father, M. Cooke Harvey, have donated a sound system to Second Stage. A sound board, speakers, amps, and many needed cables all are giving us a great start on a professional system. We have also purchased a collection of microphones found on Craigslist at a fraction of the retail price. This purchase was funded by the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust grant received earlier this summer. That grant was to be used for lighting, sound equipment and appearance upgrades. The Harvey's generous gift helps to match that grant and extend its effectiveness. Last but hardly least ... our community SPONSORS! We couldn't be what we are and won't be what we plan to become without our area sponsors. Our community has been gracious with gifts and donations this year. For Second Stage to bring you the performances and the market of fresh produce, to renovate the building for public and private use and for affordable space for studios and offices .... none of it could be possible without the generosity of our friends and supporters. If you want to find out how you might help, visit our How to Help page. OUR 2015 COMMUNITY DONORS:
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| The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust exists to promote local philanthropy and to simplify the process of giving. The Trust receives and manages permanent gifts for the perpetual benefit of the Greater Lynchburg area. Needs served are broad in scope including human services to children, youth, the needy, and the elderly; education; health; the arts; and the humanities! |  |
Thank you one and all for attending the Open House and public meeting in June. Many of you are eager to help start work on the building and the individual rental work spaces are in demand.
You can read more about rental possibilities here. Remember to think of our larger rooms, too, for occasional rentals for meetings, lectures, family events or even weddings! You can view and download a PDF of the floor plan here.
If you would like to sign up to help repair our new home, please see the to-do list on the website. You can contact us through our website to volunteer.
You can read more about rental possibilities here. Remember to think of our larger rooms, too, for occasional rentals for meetings, lectures, family events or even weddings! You can view and download a PDF of the floor plan here.
If you would like to sign up to help repair our new home, please see the to-do list on the website. You can contact us through our website to volunteer.
AND we have paid for the first year of an initial five year lease.
The basic terms of the lease call for an annual payment of ten dollars and the expenditure of $10,000.00 on capital improvements to the facility. The cost of volunteer time and donated materials can be included in that total. This allows Second Stage to put its resources directly into the facility while at the same time increasing the value of the county’s asset – the lovely and historic former church.
We are already active in our third season of activities! At the request of our wonderful stalwart farmers, we opened this year’s market on April 23, and plan on continuing through October 29. It is up to all of us to make this market grow. The farmers will grow the produce, but you have to grow the market. Please come and purchase healthy local goods – and tell your friends to do the same. And we can’t thank the Town of Amherst enough for their continued generous support of the market. For the third straight year they have stepped forth with funding for this valuable resource.
As Mayor Paul Kilgore said, “A farmers market is something the Town has wanted for years. We could never produce it for the cost of our contribution to Second Stage.”
The market continues to sponsor music every third Thursday (and perhaps more often) and Second Stage is planning to begin an all new 2015 summer season of performances on July 31. Watch for details!
We hop to hear soon about our first grants and have embarked on our first major renovation project! The Virginia Commission for the Arts review panel has approved a grant to Second Stage|Amherst. But, in keeping with VCA policy, our building must be handicap accessible. The front doors are at ground level, but the present restrooms are not usable for all citizens, so we are in the process of creating new and fully accessible facilities.
We have our first renter! Amherst County Department of Recreation and Parks is bringing an aerobics class this week. Additionally, the Second Stage board is exploring the needs for renting the former classrooms, as well as public spaces, for both long-term and short-term rentals. We will be seeking small business renters, artists, classes, group meetings, weddings, reunions, and any other way this building can once again serve the Amherst County community.And we have received an important piece of equipment for a center such as ours. Nancy Bockstael has donated a piano. The spinet is in excellent condition and is a suitable size for gatherings and for piano classes. Thank you, Nancy!
So Second Stage|Amherst is well on its way and we’re picking up steam. AND ... we're ready for your help! Many of you have offered to help with both money and “sweat equity” in sprucing up the building. Due to the fast turn-around required for the aerobics classes beginning June 2, members of the board and community cleaned the downstairs community room, but there is much cleaning and many repairs needed that won’t require hiring professional services.
We will be holding an open house soon inviting you and the rest of Amherst to see our progress and learn of our plans and needs ... and how you can be a part of this exciting project. Again, watch for details … come join us ... and bring a friend!
The basic terms of the lease call for an annual payment of ten dollars and the expenditure of $10,000.00 on capital improvements to the facility. The cost of volunteer time and donated materials can be included in that total. This allows Second Stage to put its resources directly into the facility while at the same time increasing the value of the county’s asset – the lovely and historic former church.
We are already active in our third season of activities! At the request of our wonderful stalwart farmers, we opened this year’s market on April 23, and plan on continuing through October 29. It is up to all of us to make this market grow. The farmers will grow the produce, but you have to grow the market. Please come and purchase healthy local goods – and tell your friends to do the same. And we can’t thank the Town of Amherst enough for their continued generous support of the market. For the third straight year they have stepped forth with funding for this valuable resource.
As Mayor Paul Kilgore said, “A farmers market is something the Town has wanted for years. We could never produce it for the cost of our contribution to Second Stage.”
The market continues to sponsor music every third Thursday (and perhaps more often) and Second Stage is planning to begin an all new 2015 summer season of performances on July 31. Watch for details!
We hop to hear soon about our first grants and have embarked on our first major renovation project! The Virginia Commission for the Arts review panel has approved a grant to Second Stage|Amherst. But, in keeping with VCA policy, our building must be handicap accessible. The front doors are at ground level, but the present restrooms are not usable for all citizens, so we are in the process of creating new and fully accessible facilities.
We have our first renter! Amherst County Department of Recreation and Parks is bringing an aerobics class this week. Additionally, the Second Stage board is exploring the needs for renting the former classrooms, as well as public spaces, for both long-term and short-term rentals. We will be seeking small business renters, artists, classes, group meetings, weddings, reunions, and any other way this building can once again serve the Amherst County community.And we have received an important piece of equipment for a center such as ours. Nancy Bockstael has donated a piano. The spinet is in excellent condition and is a suitable size for gatherings and for piano classes. Thank you, Nancy!
So Second Stage|Amherst is well on its way and we’re picking up steam. AND ... we're ready for your help! Many of you have offered to help with both money and “sweat equity” in sprucing up the building. Due to the fast turn-around required for the aerobics classes beginning June 2, members of the board and community cleaned the downstairs community room, but there is much cleaning and many repairs needed that won’t require hiring professional services.
We will be holding an open house soon inviting you and the rest of Amherst to see our progress and learn of our plans and needs ... and how you can be a part of this exciting project. Again, watch for details … come join us ... and bring a friend!
For those of you who did't read last week's Amherst New Era Progress, reporter Sherese Gore did an extensive article regarding a lease contract that has been delivered to the Second Stage Board of Directors from the Amherst County Board of Supervisors. It can be read here.The Second Stage Board has met and sent the following response to questions from Ms. Gore:
STATEMENT FROM SECOND STAGE | AMHERST REGARDING LEASE TO FORMER ABC BUILDING / 12/23/14
On December 16 the Amherst County Board of Supervisors (The County) offered to lease the former Amherst Baptist Church building in the Town of Amherst (The Church) to Second Stage I Amherst (Second Stage). Second Stage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizen's group organized to help attact small businesses and artists to the County and to promote tourism and the increased tax revenues it provides. We believe these goals can best be accomplished by preserving and using our historic and architectural landmarks and expanding and publicizing all of the wonderful attractions that Amherst County offers to its residents and visitors. Second Stage has taken the lead by hosting numerous public events and a seasonal farmer’s market at the Church over the past two years.
We are very pleased that the County has for the moment suspended its plans to demolish the Church. It has been found to be structurally sound by the County Building Inspector and can continue to serve county residents.
Second Stage is in the process of analyzing the proposed lease and having it reviewed by an attorney. As with any lease it will be important that the terms are clear and fair and that the commitments can be reasonably accomplished. If we are to raise funds or sublease space to small businesses the lease will need to satisfy the normal concerns and requirements of donors and tenants. This process is not easy and will take some time. Once completed we look forward to a good faith discussion of final terms with the County.
Second Stage represents its membership in negotiating this lease. We welcome input from any source but it must be recognized that over 2000 Amherst County residents, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, architects and others have already expressed to the County that the Church should not be torn down under any circumstance.
We thank the Board of Supervisors for listening to the concerns of Second Stage and many others. We particularly thank County Administrator Dean Rogers for his efforts.
We look forward to working in a mutually beneficial manner with a positive outlook to the future.
Second Stage will continue to keep you posted of progress as the negotiations proceed.
Keep the faith that the historic building will be saved!
STATEMENT FROM SECOND STAGE | AMHERST REGARDING LEASE TO FORMER ABC BUILDING / 12/23/14
On December 16 the Amherst County Board of Supervisors (The County) offered to lease the former Amherst Baptist Church building in the Town of Amherst (The Church) to Second Stage I Amherst (Second Stage). Second Stage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizen's group organized to help attact small businesses and artists to the County and to promote tourism and the increased tax revenues it provides. We believe these goals can best be accomplished by preserving and using our historic and architectural landmarks and expanding and publicizing all of the wonderful attractions that Amherst County offers to its residents and visitors. Second Stage has taken the lead by hosting numerous public events and a seasonal farmer’s market at the Church over the past two years.
We are very pleased that the County has for the moment suspended its plans to demolish the Church. It has been found to be structurally sound by the County Building Inspector and can continue to serve county residents.
Second Stage is in the process of analyzing the proposed lease and having it reviewed by an attorney. As with any lease it will be important that the terms are clear and fair and that the commitments can be reasonably accomplished. If we are to raise funds or sublease space to small businesses the lease will need to satisfy the normal concerns and requirements of donors and tenants. This process is not easy and will take some time. Once completed we look forward to a good faith discussion of final terms with the County.
Second Stage represents its membership in negotiating this lease. We welcome input from any source but it must be recognized that over 2000 Amherst County residents, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, architects and others have already expressed to the County that the Church should not be torn down under any circumstance.
We thank the Board of Supervisors for listening to the concerns of Second Stage and many others. We particularly thank County Administrator Dean Rogers for his efforts.
We look forward to working in a mutually beneficial manner with a positive outlook to the future.
Second Stage will continue to keep you posted of progress as the negotiations proceed.
Keep the faith that the historic building will be saved!
It’s been way too long since we’ve provided our readers with an update on efforts to preserve the former Amherst Baptist Church.That silence doesn’t mean work isn’t being done – quite the contrary! If you haven’t been by on a Thursday afternoon, our farmers market is now in full swing. After an iffy start to the growing season, fresh produce and meat is now in by the bushels, crafts are included the first Thursday of every month, and music can be heard every third Thursday.
But as for the church – well, it remains iffy. You might recall that in March, the county board of supervisors approved two motions: one to demolish the building, and another to advertise it for sale. That sent us Second Stage workers scrambling. After several meetings, we decided to ask the supervisors to meet with us in a work session so that there could be real dialogue rather than the formal presentation, question, answer format required in a supervisors meeting. In that workshop, we were prepared to offer to renovate the building using donated funds if the county would permit a lease with terms that would allow us to recoup our investment.
That request made it onto the supervisors’ agenda for their May 20 meeting. But before our request could be entertained, Supervisor John Marks made another surprise motion, this time to remove the building from “for sale” status and to “move ahead with the demolition as appropriate,” whatever as appropriatemeans. The motion passed 3-1, with Mr. Curd being absent.
Mr. Marks stated that “to agree to a work session such as this would be setting a troublesome precedent.” Evidently, meeting with one’s constituents and learning their desires, needs, concerns and the like is troublesome to him.
While this has certainly sent us scurrying, we continue to fight the good fight. We are moving forward in the belief that our effort is good for the county and that we will prevail in the end. We are now legally incorporated in the state of Virginia, and have applied for nonprofit status with the IRS. While that application is in process we continue to partner with AGAR as our fiscal agent. Our board is presently comprised of Steve Martin, Suny Monk, Sally Mock, Janice Augustine, Craig Pleasants, Cindy Henderson, Laura Fails, Michael Dowell and market manager, Cooke Harvey.
The supervisors’ most recent action to demolish the church, on the surface, seems to be final. Still, they can reverse their decision at any time. (Well, right up to the time they release the wrecking ball.) The best thing we – and you – can do is to continue to talk to your supervisor and express your desire to not see another county landmark demolished. And please tell your friends to do the same. The more the supervisors hear the need and desire to save this building, the more likely they are to have second thoughts.
We have also been busy exploring the possibility of having this decision put on the November ballot as a referendum, giving the Amherst County voting public the opportunity to decide. Sadly, this will not be possible at this time as referendum law in the state of Virginia does not allow for such an issue. But we are circulating a petition seeking as many signatures as possible to try one more time to convince the BoS that the people of Amherst County want this building saved and repurposed.
So again, your four tasks for the summer:
But as for the church – well, it remains iffy. You might recall that in March, the county board of supervisors approved two motions: one to demolish the building, and another to advertise it for sale. That sent us Second Stage workers scrambling. After several meetings, we decided to ask the supervisors to meet with us in a work session so that there could be real dialogue rather than the formal presentation, question, answer format required in a supervisors meeting. In that workshop, we were prepared to offer to renovate the building using donated funds if the county would permit a lease with terms that would allow us to recoup our investment.
That request made it onto the supervisors’ agenda for their May 20 meeting. But before our request could be entertained, Supervisor John Marks made another surprise motion, this time to remove the building from “for sale” status and to “move ahead with the demolition as appropriate,” whatever as appropriatemeans. The motion passed 3-1, with Mr. Curd being absent.
Mr. Marks stated that “to agree to a work session such as this would be setting a troublesome precedent.” Evidently, meeting with one’s constituents and learning their desires, needs, concerns and the like is troublesome to him.
While this has certainly sent us scurrying, we continue to fight the good fight. We are moving forward in the belief that our effort is good for the county and that we will prevail in the end. We are now legally incorporated in the state of Virginia, and have applied for nonprofit status with the IRS. While that application is in process we continue to partner with AGAR as our fiscal agent. Our board is presently comprised of Steve Martin, Suny Monk, Sally Mock, Janice Augustine, Craig Pleasants, Cindy Henderson, Laura Fails, Michael Dowell and market manager, Cooke Harvey.
The supervisors’ most recent action to demolish the church, on the surface, seems to be final. Still, they can reverse their decision at any time. (Well, right up to the time they release the wrecking ball.) The best thing we – and you – can do is to continue to talk to your supervisor and express your desire to not see another county landmark demolished. And please tell your friends to do the same. The more the supervisors hear the need and desire to save this building, the more likely they are to have second thoughts.
We have also been busy exploring the possibility of having this decision put on the November ballot as a referendum, giving the Amherst County voting public the opportunity to decide. Sadly, this will not be possible at this time as referendum law in the state of Virginia does not allow for such an issue. But we are circulating a petition seeking as many signatures as possible to try one more time to convince the BoS that the people of Amherst County want this building saved and repurposed.
So again, your four tasks for the summer:
- talk to your supervisor,
- talk to your friends,
- continue the letters to the Editor,
- invite a Second Stage volunteer to come and speak with friends/church groups/civic organizations/etc.,
Tuesday evening, March 18, Second Stage representatives stood before the Amherst County Board of Supervisors to answer any questions they might have regarding their offer to use the former Amherst Baptist Church on the same terms as last year. This was the same as the offer originally presented to Second Stage a couple of months ago in a motion by Supervisor John Marks. At that time it was overwhelmingly approved by the Supervisors.
During the public comment period at the top of the 3-18 meeting agenda, many members of the community spoke passionately about the positive effects Second Stage has had on the county and of the value of the church building and its historic place in the county.
While the board members didn't have any questions for Second Stage organizers, they did have concerns about public safety and whether or not the building should be condemned. Building Inspector Kenneth Campbell was asked to address that issue, specifically in regard to his previous report to the board. In that report he outlined issues with the building but stated that the structure is remarkably sound. He stood by his report Tuesday night, confirming that the building is sound and could provide many more good and positive years of service to Amherst County.
After further discussion, Supervisor Marks made a motion to close the building, remove all utility connections, and otherwise secure it until the space needs study for the Department of Social Services is completed, at which time the building should be prepared for demolition. His motion takes the building off the DSS study list but keeps the property viable. That motion passed on a 3-2 vote.
Needless to say, Second Stage supporters were stunned. A contingency in the SSA offer to the county was that if the building be deemed unusable, Second Stage would be given right of first refusal to purchase the property. So immediately after their vote to demolish, SS requested that the purchase contingency be considered. At that point, Supervisor Claudia Tucker moved that the building be put up for sale. County Administrator Clarence Monday pointed out that a public hearing is required for the sale of public property. Ms. Tucker amended her motion to say that the county should take the necessary steps to put the property up for sale. Happily, that vote passed (3-2), saving the building from demolition for the present.
Later in the meeting, the supervisors all agreed that Second Stage could use the grounds for the farmers market again this summer. Market organizer Suny Monk responded that, speaking personally and not on behalf of SS or the farmers, she did not see the value of continuing the market on the site as there is no guarantee of future use. Still, the offer will be considered by the steering committee.
A special note of thanks to Dan Lovern, who helped represent Second Stage before the supervisors and offered many spectacular comments about the value of saving our heritage. If you weren’t sold on the project before, you would have been after he spoke.
Many more comments in favor of Second Stage were made by the public at the end of the meeting. Much thanks to everyone who spoke up for the initiative and to those who attended the meeting. Even your presence sends a strong message.
And thanks to all who submitted letters to the editor! More letters were sent than were published. One can only imagine the thoughts of the Supervisors when they opened the Amherst newspaper the day after their meeting!
This is not the end of our efforts. If you haven't done so, talk to your supervisor. Stay tuned. And thank you!
There is an extensive article about the Tuesday night meeting in the 3-21 issue of the Lynchburg paper; the online version is here. All of the Letters to the Editor published in the 3-19 issue of the Amherst paper can be read here.
During the public comment period at the top of the 3-18 meeting agenda, many members of the community spoke passionately about the positive effects Second Stage has had on the county and of the value of the church building and its historic place in the county.
While the board members didn't have any questions for Second Stage organizers, they did have concerns about public safety and whether or not the building should be condemned. Building Inspector Kenneth Campbell was asked to address that issue, specifically in regard to his previous report to the board. In that report he outlined issues with the building but stated that the structure is remarkably sound. He stood by his report Tuesday night, confirming that the building is sound and could provide many more good and positive years of service to Amherst County.
After further discussion, Supervisor Marks made a motion to close the building, remove all utility connections, and otherwise secure it until the space needs study for the Department of Social Services is completed, at which time the building should be prepared for demolition. His motion takes the building off the DSS study list but keeps the property viable. That motion passed on a 3-2 vote.
Needless to say, Second Stage supporters were stunned. A contingency in the SSA offer to the county was that if the building be deemed unusable, Second Stage would be given right of first refusal to purchase the property. So immediately after their vote to demolish, SS requested that the purchase contingency be considered. At that point, Supervisor Claudia Tucker moved that the building be put up for sale. County Administrator Clarence Monday pointed out that a public hearing is required for the sale of public property. Ms. Tucker amended her motion to say that the county should take the necessary steps to put the property up for sale. Happily, that vote passed (3-2), saving the building from demolition for the present.
Later in the meeting, the supervisors all agreed that Second Stage could use the grounds for the farmers market again this summer. Market organizer Suny Monk responded that, speaking personally and not on behalf of SS or the farmers, she did not see the value of continuing the market on the site as there is no guarantee of future use. Still, the offer will be considered by the steering committee.
A special note of thanks to Dan Lovern, who helped represent Second Stage before the supervisors and offered many spectacular comments about the value of saving our heritage. If you weren’t sold on the project before, you would have been after he spoke.
Many more comments in favor of Second Stage were made by the public at the end of the meeting. Much thanks to everyone who spoke up for the initiative and to those who attended the meeting. Even your presence sends a strong message.
And thanks to all who submitted letters to the editor! More letters were sent than were published. One can only imagine the thoughts of the Supervisors when they opened the Amherst newspaper the day after their meeting!
This is not the end of our efforts. If you haven't done so, talk to your supervisor. Stay tuned. And thank you!
There is an extensive article about the Tuesday night meeting in the 3-21 issue of the Lynchburg paper; the online version is here. All of the Letters to the Editor published in the 3-19 issue of the Amherst paper can be read here.
As reported in the last news post, the County has committed the church property to a study, encompassing all county-owned real estate, to determine the best space for office expansion for the Department of Social Services. With that in mind, Second Stage is prepared to accept the county's offer to use the church in much the same fashion as last summer again this year. The text of our offer can be found here.
We would like to urge anyone free to turn out for the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, March 18, at 7 PM, to support the cause! If you wish to speak in the opening public comment period, please remember to arrive a few minutes early and sign the speaker's roster.
The New Era Progress printed a wonderful editorial this week in support of our efforts and for saving this historic building. They ended the editorial with this: "What do you think? Should the Board of Supervisors give the Amherst Baptist Church building a new reprieve? Let us know in a letter to the editor: Editor@neweraprogress.com?"
It sounds like the paper is gathering a number of letters for a major printing. Make your feelings known!
We need your help NOW to save this historic structure and to continue with last year's performances and farmers' markets!
We would like to urge anyone free to turn out for the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, March 18, at 7 PM, to support the cause! If you wish to speak in the opening public comment period, please remember to arrive a few minutes early and sign the speaker's roster.
The New Era Progress printed a wonderful editorial this week in support of our efforts and for saving this historic building. They ended the editorial with this: "What do you think? Should the Board of Supervisors give the Amherst Baptist Church building a new reprieve? Let us know in a letter to the editor: Editor@neweraprogress.com?"
It sounds like the paper is gathering a number of letters for a major printing. Make your feelings known!
We need your help NOW to save this historic structure and to continue with last year's performances and farmers' markets!
Second Stage volunteers have continued dialogue with the Amherst Board of Supervisors since the inaugural Second Stage season ended with the Holiday Market in December 2013. However, two recent events have transpired to threaten of the historic former Amherst Baptist Church with demolition.
1. Social Services needs more space
First came the news that the county’s Department of Social Services is severely over-crowded. You can read more about Social Services need for space on the New Era Progress website.
2. Recent heavy weather has caused minor damage to the Church
Then, only a week or two later, the county was deluged with three days of heavy rain, and eighteen inches of snow. The result is that water and snow sat on the flat roofs of the former church. Since the building has been mothballed for the past eight years, leaks in the roof membrane have gone unnoticed and as the snow melted it seeped into the building and released a piece of sheet rock in the ladies restroom and hall.
This news reached the supervisors at the same meeting Second Stage representatives were seeking approval of three-year use of the building on a year-round basis. After much discussion the matter was tabled until the building inspector and building official toured the building and submitted a report to the board. That report will be submitted to the supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 1:00 p.m.
The report is extensive and lists all the issues that will have to be addressed for the building to be whole again. Many of the items on the list are obvious, such as the lack of a handicap accessible restroom and an elevator or lift to reach the basement or second story, and fascia and cornice boards that need to be replaced. At first glance, the list appears daunting and the twenty-seven pages of pictures that accompanies the three page report can be scary, but many of the issues are fairly minor. Second Stage had a successful season last year and the County Department of Recreation and Parks continues to use the building, as it has since the county acquired the facility.
The building is structurally sound
However, the truth is plainly stated in the report summary:
“Overall the building is structurally sound, but there is a lot that needs to be done to make it usable…the majority of the problems come from the building not being occupied. A building just sitting goes down a lot faster than one that is occupied. While a building is occupied it goes through normal heating and cooling cycles which helps with moisture problems and also has people in it to address maintenance issues as they present themselves. If we [the county] continue to own the building we cannot leave it like it is or it will soon not be worth salvaging.”
Majority of Supervisors now want to demolish the historic church
At a recent board of supervisors work session it appeared that four of the five supervisors are inclined toward demolition of this historic building in the heart of the Town of Amherst. (This work session occurred before the building inspector’s report reached their hands.) To be fair, the supervisors have some very tough decisions facing them – they own a building that is not being maintained and their social services department is not able to do its job in the space it currently occupies. The County has determined that the church is not suited to the needs of the Department of Social Services, but they are considering demolishing the church in order to put up a pre-engineered building. We think the historic building remains a significant structure that connects the community to its past. The county owns other land that can be developed adjacent to the present county administration building.
How you can help save this town landmark
Now more than ever the former Amherst Baptist Church is facing a demolition sentence. Now more than ever that lovely building needs your help. Will you ...
Please take a moment to answer our three-question survey, call your supervisor, or write Second Stage an email offering your suggestions and offers to help.
1. Social Services needs more space
First came the news that the county’s Department of Social Services is severely over-crowded. You can read more about Social Services need for space on the New Era Progress website.
2. Recent heavy weather has caused minor damage to the Church
Then, only a week or two later, the county was deluged with three days of heavy rain, and eighteen inches of snow. The result is that water and snow sat on the flat roofs of the former church. Since the building has been mothballed for the past eight years, leaks in the roof membrane have gone unnoticed and as the snow melted it seeped into the building and released a piece of sheet rock in the ladies restroom and hall.
This news reached the supervisors at the same meeting Second Stage representatives were seeking approval of three-year use of the building on a year-round basis. After much discussion the matter was tabled until the building inspector and building official toured the building and submitted a report to the board. That report will be submitted to the supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 1:00 p.m.
The report is extensive and lists all the issues that will have to be addressed for the building to be whole again. Many of the items on the list are obvious, such as the lack of a handicap accessible restroom and an elevator or lift to reach the basement or second story, and fascia and cornice boards that need to be replaced. At first glance, the list appears daunting and the twenty-seven pages of pictures that accompanies the three page report can be scary, but many of the issues are fairly minor. Second Stage had a successful season last year and the County Department of Recreation and Parks continues to use the building, as it has since the county acquired the facility.
The building is structurally sound
However, the truth is plainly stated in the report summary:
“Overall the building is structurally sound, but there is a lot that needs to be done to make it usable…the majority of the problems come from the building not being occupied. A building just sitting goes down a lot faster than one that is occupied. While a building is occupied it goes through normal heating and cooling cycles which helps with moisture problems and also has people in it to address maintenance issues as they present themselves. If we [the county] continue to own the building we cannot leave it like it is or it will soon not be worth salvaging.”
Majority of Supervisors now want to demolish the historic church
At a recent board of supervisors work session it appeared that four of the five supervisors are inclined toward demolition of this historic building in the heart of the Town of Amherst. (This work session occurred before the building inspector’s report reached their hands.) To be fair, the supervisors have some very tough decisions facing them – they own a building that is not being maintained and their social services department is not able to do its job in the space it currently occupies. The County has determined that the church is not suited to the needs of the Department of Social Services, but they are considering demolishing the church in order to put up a pre-engineered building. We think the historic building remains a significant structure that connects the community to its past. The county owns other land that can be developed adjacent to the present county administration building.
How you can help save this town landmark
Now more than ever the former Amherst Baptist Church is facing a demolition sentence. Now more than ever that lovely building needs your help. Will you ...
- ... call your supervisor and voice support for saving the building? (Contact info here)
- ... ask your friends to do the same?
- ... host a house meeting with your friends, neighbors and a Second Stage volunteer? (Tell us of your interest in the three-question survey and we'll arrange for a volunteer to be there)
- ... arrange for a Second Stage volunteer to discuss the issue with your church or civic club?
Please take a moment to answer our three-question survey, call your supervisor, or write Second Stage an email offering your suggestions and offers to help.
