The Sutton Historical Society (SHS) has been awarded a LCHIP grant for $52,500. LCHIP (Land & Community Heritage Program) is and independent state  authority that makes makes matching grants to NH communities and non-profits to conserve and preserve New Hampshire’s most important natural, cultural and historic resources. “Through this investment Program every $1 in resources brings back more than seven times local, private, federal funds, and helps secure NH’s greatest business advantage: The quality of life and traditional values of our state.”

 

On Wed. Dec. 4 a delegation of SHS directors and officers attended the 2019 LCHIP award ceremony. LCHIP staff announced the 33 award recipients and Gov. Sununu presented the award notices to the recipients. Don Davis received the notice for SHS. This round of awards granted 3.5 million dollars in funds. Applications to LCHIP for this round was more than twice as many dollars as were available to distribute.

 

The grant to SHS is for restoration and rehabilitation of the South Sutton Meetinghouse tower (steeple). The scope of the needed work was determined by an assessment by two noted historic structure restorers and funded by a grant from the NH Preservation Alliance. The assessment included both the Meetinghouse and the District No. 9 Schoolhouse and has provided us with the foundation for a long term plan for the care of our special structures. The  Meetinghouse was built in 1839, in the Greek Revival style. More than 40 meetinghouses/churches were built in this in NH in the years after 1819. Most of these were in the southwestern area of the state. Many of them survive today. Two of them are in Sutton. One in Sutton Mills was built about same time as the South Sutton building. It has been altered greatly since it was built and today is a private home. In fact, only one of the structures remains virtually unchanged from the day it was built and that is our meetinghouse in South Sutton. Beyond normal maintenance, the only significant alterations occurred around 1899, after the building was damaged by a lightning strike. Changes included modifications to the pews, raising and enlarging and lowering the Dias, improvements to heating (since removed) and installation in 1900 of a kerosine chandelier, a gift of John Sargent Pillsbury. The 180 year old building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

In order to receive the funds, we must match the grant dollar for dollar. We have, at this time, $8,600 dedicated to the Stewardship Fund. We are currently work on several fund raising ideas. One will be a direct appeal to the SHS members and the citizens and taxpayers of Sutton. We will also accept donations at this time. In the mean time: To make a donation to help this project, mail your donation to: Sutton Historical Society, PO Box 457, South Sutton, NH 03275.  

 

The grant to SHS is for restoration and rehabilitation of the South Sutton Meetinghouse tower (steeple). The scope of the needed work was determined by an assessment by two noted historic structure restorers and funded by a grant from the NH Preservation Alliance. The assessment included both the Meetinghouse and the District No. 9 Schoolhouse and has provided us with the foundation for a long term plan for the care of our special structures.