One of Killingworth's Treasures...The Old Town Hall (Grange Hall)
Whether you call this historic structure the Grange Hall or The Old Town Hall, most people around town will know what you are referring to. Located at the back of the parking lot of the Congregational Church in Killingworth, this charming old building was built in the mid 1800's by the Grange as an agricultural hall. After many years and a decrease in Grange membership, the building was sold to the town and used as The Town Hall, housing the Town Offices.
As the town grew, so did the need for larger town office space. In 1966, the Town of Killingworth deeded this building back to the church. Along with title and deed, a long list of repairs came with it. The Trustees of the church have been and currently are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building. While the church does not use this building, it does make this space available to the public as a community meeting area for a nominal fee. Unfortunately, the fees are not enough to cover the long list of much needed repairs and updates.
Beginning in late 2004, the Board of Trustees began working with State Representative Brian O'Connor (D-35) and State Senator Edward Meyer (D-16). In the summer of 2005, Sen. Meyer and Rep. O’Connor announced legislation was passed clearing the way for state bond funding earmarked for the costs of renovating and restoring The Old Town Hall. Unfortunately, this bond funding has never been released – a victim for the State’s current economic woes.
In the time since then, repairs and updates could not be avoided. The church has undertaken significant projects including a new septic system, new furnace, well repairs, demolition and rebuilding of the front porch steps and entryway, not to mention numerous smaller projects. However, there are still many needed repairs and upgrades that must be done to guarantee the health and well-being of this loved structure and to ensure it’s continued availability to the community.
Please join me in supporting this historic building by sharing your talent, your time, or perhaps making a tax deductible donation to the restoration project. This is our community building. And we, as a community, have the power to put the shine back in this grand little gem.
-Maureen Alfiero
As the town grew, so did the need for larger town office space. In 1966, the Town of Killingworth deeded this building back to the church. Along with title and deed, a long list of repairs came with it. The Trustees of the church have been and currently are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building. While the church does not use this building, it does make this space available to the public as a community meeting area for a nominal fee. Unfortunately, the fees are not enough to cover the long list of much needed repairs and updates.
Beginning in late 2004, the Board of Trustees began working with State Representative Brian O'Connor (D-35) and State Senator Edward Meyer (D-16). In the summer of 2005, Sen. Meyer and Rep. O’Connor announced legislation was passed clearing the way for state bond funding earmarked for the costs of renovating and restoring The Old Town Hall. Unfortunately, this bond funding has never been released – a victim for the State’s current economic woes.
In the time since then, repairs and updates could not be avoided. The church has undertaken significant projects including a new septic system, new furnace, well repairs, demolition and rebuilding of the front porch steps and entryway, not to mention numerous smaller projects. However, there are still many needed repairs and upgrades that must be done to guarantee the health and well-being of this loved structure and to ensure it’s continued availability to the community.
Please join me in supporting this historic building by sharing your talent, your time, or perhaps making a tax deductible donation to the restoration project. This is our community building. And we, as a community, have the power to put the shine back in this grand little gem.
-Maureen Alfiero