The Friends (FWM)

Formed in 2001, The Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse, Inc. (“The Friends” – or FWM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-led organization which was founded to preserve and restore the Wendell Meetinghouse as a center for spiritual, cultural, and community programs. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are available upon request.

Over the past 22 years, the Friends have brought the Meetinghouse back to life, obtaining its first Certificate of Occupancy in thirty years and reopening its doors in September 2021 – the 175th Anniversary of the building. See more on the Building’s history, renovations and future plans, and celebrate with us as we recognize the many generous people who have contributed more than $400,000 in funds and volunteer labor to make our work possible.

The Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse is currently run by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local community members, and depends heavily on other community members’ contributions – their work and support makes all that happens at the Meetinghouse possible! Please consider joining the Friends community as a volunteer and/or donor.

We want to recognize the dedication and service of previous Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse leaders. Early members of the Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse included Charles T. Smith, who served as president, Melinda Godfrey as clerk, Molly Kaynor as treasurer, and Jerry Eide as restorationist. Other Friends leaders since then have included Nan Riebschaeger, Jerry Barilla, Marianne Sundell, Linnea Winter, Ray DiDonato, Rick Drohen and others – our thanks for their contributions and support!