Efforts to renovate and restore the historic Greenfield Meetinghouse just received a $1 million boost, as the Town of Greenfield received a forgivable loan in that amount from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.

The CDFA stated that the town will “create a year-round, multi-generational space that will serve priority populations and numerous nonprofit organizations that serve the community. This community center is essential to a rich civic and cultural community life for all residents.”

Greenfield Town Administrator Aaron Patt said that the grant will help update the Meeting House facilities and “improve access for community stakeholders who look forward to using the building regularly.”

“The Meeting House has always been the town’s center for recreational activities, community services, civic and social services,” Patt said. “This grant will  provide the Select Board with the ability to promote the town’s community center, which underscores the commitment of the town to its residents. The result will be a community center that is accessible and open, and a place where recreation, civic and social services can help the community thrive. Having a welcoming space that is open for everyone is a huge benefit that underscores the community spirit of Greenfield.”

In 2019, the Town of Greenfield received a Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) grant to assess the condition of the Meetinghouse. The assessment, completed  by Misiaszek Turpin architects, estimated that the building needs between $1.5 million and $2 million of repairs and renovations to provide accessibility, improve energy efficiency and bring the building up to code. The Greenfield Meetinghouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as “the oldest meetinghouse in the State of New Hampshire used by both church and state.” 

“The FGCM board is thrilled that the Town of Greenfield has been awarded $1 million in funds to renovate our community meeting house. Our board, the Select Board, and Aaron Patt worked tirelessly to make this happen. This is a testament to what happens when we all work together. We also want to thank all those who have and continue to volunteer their time to bring together the many events that resulted in the success of this well-deserved grant. This is what makes a small town a wonderful place to live,” said Sheldon Pennoyer, chair of the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meetinghouse. 

According to the CDFA, the Governor and Executive Council approved the investment of federal American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the Community Center Investment Program, which is being administered in coordination with the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery. 

Reporter Jesseca Timmons is secretary of the FGCM.