Gallupville Evangelical Lutheran Church Receives Sacred Sites Grant

GALLUPVILLE — The New York Landmarks Conservancy has announced 15 Sacred Sites Grants totaling $244,500  awarded to 15 historic religious properties throughout New York State. This includes $5,000 to the Gallupville Evangelical Lutheran Church to help fund an architectural survey of the belfry.

Built in 1853 by local builder Jacob Wolford for a mostly German congregation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church was one of the first churches in Gallupville.  The wood framed, clapboard sided vernacular Greek Revival church is typical of country churches built in the mid 1800's.  The current tall geometric stained-glass gothic-style windows were installed in 1871, replacing the original clear glass windows.  An open belfry with columns surmounts the staged bell tower above the ridge, where the original bell remains in place.

Activities at the church serve just over 1,000 people annually beyond membership.  Activities and programs include a food pantry, a “Mitten Tree” (a collection point for supplies for schools and families in need), prayer breakfasts, a grief share program, a senior citizen group, a blood drive, first aid courses, boy scout troop meetings, Sunshine Baskets (distributed to those who are sick or grieving), game nights, movie nights, an acting group, and multiple summer camps.

“Religious buildings are important because they tell us about history, architectural development, beauty and hold so many communal memories,” said Peg Breen, President, The New York Landmarks Conservancy.  “But congregations, including these recent grant recipients, also serve an important role today by providing their communities with a variety of social service and cultural programs.”  

The Sacred Sites Program provides congregations with matching grants for planning and implementing exterior restoration projects, along with technical assistance, and workshops.  Since 1986, the program has pledged over 1,700 grants totaling over $14.4 million to more than 870 religious institutions statewide, helping fund over $818 million in repair and restoration projects.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy

The New York Landmarks Conservancy, a private non-profit organization, has led the effort to preserve and protect New York City’s architectural legacy for more than 50 years.  Since its founding, the Conservancy has loaned and granted more than $62 million, which has leveraged almost $1 billion in nearly 2,000 restoration projects throughout New York, revitalizing communities, providing economic stimulus, and supporting local jobs.  The Conservancy has also offered countless hours of pro bono technical advice to building owners, both nonprofit organizations, and individuals.  The Conservancy’s work has saved more than a thousand buildings across the City and State, protecting New York’s distinctive architectural heritage for residents and visitors alike today, and for future generations.  For more information, please visit www.nylandmarks.org.