What a splendid gathering of community at our 175th Birthday Celebration of the Wendell Meetinghouse that took place on Saturday, September 11, 2021. It was a late summer party to celebrate our Wendell community, honor this historic building from past to present, recognize the people who have brought it so far, and an opportunity to share plans for the future.
Attendees enjoyed ten-minute tours of the Meetinghouse renovation so far led by Alistair MacMartin and with musical accompaniment by Garrett and Ajika Sawyer.
The Four Domains building use plan was described which includes: Spirit Circles and celebrations, The Living Room social gathering space, The Performance Place for music and theater, and the Maker/Learner Center for classes, exhibitions, crafts and arts.
We then gathered at the North Common Gazebo, celebrated the past, present, and future of the Meetinghouse with recognition of key volunteers/workers by Jerry Barilla, a brief history of the building with Pam Richardson, an outline of future goals and music with Court Dorsey.
Selectboard member Gillian Budine and Mass. State Rep. Susanna Whipps, who brings the State House Citation. 
Massachusetts State House Citation. 
Senior consultant Jerry Barilla tells the Meetinghouse story and thanks volunteers.
The afternoon carried on with music by Carrie Ferguson, donor appreciations with Chris Queen, a visit from Representative Susannah Whipps, Stick ‘n the Mist Morris dancers, chat with Senator Jo Comerford and and Morning Star Chenven, Moonlight Davis, and the Wendell Community Chorus.
The Time Capsule Ceremony commenced as residents added their wishes, notes, photos, and best wishes for the opening on the building’s bicentennial birthday in 2046. The time capsule was created by Richard Drohen, board member and construction manager, using wood from the building gathering during renovations.
Thank you to all our volunteers who organized and provided a delicious feast along with complementary choice of wines from Quabbin Sky Vineyards of New Salem and craft brews from Pioneer Valley Brewery of Turners Falls.
We then danced into the evening on the North Common with the Gaslight Tinkers!
The Meetinghouse is a place for building community, getting to know new people, catching up with old friends, and celebrate working together on a joint project. In that spirit, we did just that during the 175th Meetinghouse Birthday. Thank you to all who attended and who continue to support the vision.
Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse (FWM) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization registered in Massachusetts, whose mission is to preserve, maintain and operate the Wendell Meetinghouse for spiritual, cultural, and community events.
To help our continued vision become reality, we appreciate your one-time or recurring monthly donation through PayPal using the button below. All gifts to the Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse are tax deductible.