Date: Fri 23-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

Meeting-House-Paisley

Full Text:

Meeting House: A Place For Great Events, Both Public and Personal

(with cuts)

BY DOROTHY EVANS

Not many people realize that Newtown's oldest church building -- the town's

second Meeting House that has stood since 1810 in the middle of West Street

opposite the flagpole -- is available for a variety of uses, not the least of

which is weddings.

"It really is so beautiful," said Sherry Paisley, newly appointed scheduling

coordinator recently hired by the Heritage Preservation Trust of Newtown, Inc,

the group that in 1988 was formed to guide renovations, maintain the old

structure and see that it remains an integral part of the community.

"This is still a sacred place," said Mrs Paisley, referring to its longtime

function as sanctuary for the Newtown Congregationalists, "but it can also be

used for a variety of civic purposes."

Mrs Paisley has been charged with the pleasant job of publicizing the

availability of the Meeting House to townspeople who might be interested in

using any or all of its several spaces: either the main-level sanctuary that

seats 200 or a large meeting room underneath the sanctuary with an adjoining,

fully-equipped kitchen.

"The downstairs is ideal for baby showers, birthday parties or meetings," she

said.

"We are one of only two or three facilities in the area where couples from

different faiths can be married and either bring in their own officiate or

have a justice of the peace perform the ceremony," Mrs Paisley said.

As for decorations, there is a large wooden cross that can be hung behind the

gallery, or the space may be used in other ways, she said.

"Last spring, one couple hung a huge `Wedding Ring' quilt up there because she

was a quilting enthusiast. Over the holidays, wreaths were used. It takes very

little in the way of floral to make it look spectacular," she said.

Since an extensive renovation and restoration was undertaken in 1988, the

Meeting House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places,

along with several other Main Street buildings.

"The restoration was very well done. It is pristine," Mrs Paisley said.

To book weddings or other events, couples need only contact Mrs Paisley at

270-8293 and she will help them arrange the details.