House Republican Press Release

August 18, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Gov. Rell, Rep. Ferrari: $17,500 Grant Okayed for Restoration of Barkhamsted Church

The State Bond Commission has approved a $17,500 grant for the restoration of the First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative Richard F. Ferrari, R- 62^nd District, announced today. The Bond Commission approved the funding at its monthly meeting today (Friday, August 18^th).

“The Center Church is an architectural jewel that links the people of Barkhamsted with the town’s past. It is a unique historic structure that stands as a testament to the central role religion played in the lives of our ancestors – and to the parishioners who worship there today. The restoration of the Barkhamsted Center Church will enhance the town’s rural heritage and help keep the faith of our fathers alive for generations to come,” Representative Ferrari said. “I’d like to thank Governor Rell for her support for this project - and for an important part of the town’s history.”

“The Connecticut landscape is full of churches built in the 1800s and in many cases, the years have taken a heavy toll on these historic houses of worship,” Governor Rell said. “With this funding, we have an opportunity to assist the people of Barkhamsted and preserve another piece of Connecticut culture and history. I am pleased that this grant can now be made available. Preserving our state’s treasures like this one in Barkhamsted honors our past and keeps these historic buildings available for future use, study and enjoyment.”

Built in 1843 for use as the second meeting house of the First Ecclesiastical Society in Barkhamsted, the building is now known as Barkhamsted Center Church. It is regarded as among the finest examples of the small, rural Greek Revival-style Congregational meeting houses built in Connecticut during the mid-19th century.  The property has been on the State Register of Historic Places since 1988.