Friends of Historic Woolsey

Preserving Our Yesterdays for Tomorrow 

 Help Save Historic Woolsey Church!
 
 
Our initial initiative is organized into five distinct projects. 

The projects advance the goals of the 2022 Woolsey Comprehensive Plan, which envisions a semi-rural town centered on a pedestrian-scale town center that preserves historic structures and institutional uses. A core strategy of the plan is enhancing the town’s value through historic preservation.

Restoring the Historic Woolsey Church supports this vision by preserving a key landmark in the town center. Stabilizing and rehabilitating the building protects Woolsey’s architectural heritage, reinforces its historic character, and strengthens the town center as a community focal point. The project aligns with long-term planning goals by maintaining the historic use and scale of the property while enhancing the town’s identity, vitality, and sense of place.

The church’s restoration is a carefully planned effort to preserve its historic and architectural integrity and prepare it for sustainable community use. Each stage follows the Historic Structure Report, the Department of the Interior’s Standards, and guidance from Greg Jacobs of Landmark Preservation LLC. By combining preservation techniques, historical accuracy, and functional improvements, the project safeguards the church’s cultural significance and ensures its long-term stability and continued use.

Project 1: Historic Sanctuary Restoration and Rehabilitation
This project focuses on stabilizing and restoring the 1889 sanctuary, including structural repairs, roof replacement, and preservation of character-defining architectural elements to ensure the building remains a safe, usable space while honoring its historic significance to the community.

Project 2: Classroom Rehabilitation and Renovation 
This project addresses the rehabilitation of the classroom areas, improving accessibility and functionality to create usable spaces while respecting their historic use and role in the community.

Project 3: Annex Rehabilitation and Renovation
Work on the annex will include necessary repairs and upgrades to support expanded community use, making it a usable space and respecting its historic role in the community.

Project 4: Ongoing Site, Landscape, Parking, and Grounds Improvements
This ongoing project includes improvements to the surrounding grounds and landscaping to enhance accessibility, protect historic resources, and support community use of the site.

Project 5: Ongoing Cemetery Preservation and Stewardship
This ongoing project is dedicated to honoring those laid to rest by respectfully caring for and preserving the historic cemetery.