RESTORING THE HEART OF LENOX
The Lenox Meeting House is more than a landmark, it’s a symbol of connection, tradition, and community. Built in 1806, this beloved space has served many roles throughout its history, from town hall to house of worship. Today, the Friends of the Lenox Meeting House are working to return it to its roots: a welcoming, accessible space where people come together.
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With your help, we’re restoring the building, improving accessibility, and opening the doors to concerts, celebrations, classes, and cultural events year-round. It’s time to bring the Meeting House back to life, for everyone.
A PLACE FOR GATHERING, GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY
The Lenox Meeting House has long stood as witness to the power of community. Our vision is to restore and reimagine this historic space, turning it into a year-round, accessible hub not only for Sunday worship services but also other sorts of gatherings for learning and connection.
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From musical performances to community dinners and educational programs, the possibilities are endless. With your support, we’re bringing that vision to life.
PRESERVING THE PAST
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
OUR MULTI-PHASE RESTORATION EFFORT IS TRANSFORMING THE MEETING HOUSE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
The Friends of the Lenox Meeting House aims to restore, reconfigure, and preserve the building for future generations, and to expand use of the space. We are raising funds to achieve three goals:
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Preservation – Fund preservation of the beloved Meeting House that's been on the hilltop of Lenox for 220 years.
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Accessibility – Make the Meeting House ADA compliant, with an improved washroom and entries, a rebuilt ramp, and a lift to the balcony; and to upgrade insulating and heating so it's available affordably year-round.
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Community – Open the Meeting House to cultural and community events by adding a kitchenette, improving the lighting, and replacing the current seating with movable pews.
The cost of the work will exceed $2 million. Phase I began in 2021 included the clock face and tower. The clock, which had been out of commission for years, was automated and its hands were replaced. The two clock faces were repaired, the architectural details of the tower were restored, and the clock and the tower repainted. The weathervane was polished and now beams over Lenox again. Phase I was completed in January 2025.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE MEETING HOUSE
PHASE II STARTS IN FALL 2025 AND INCLUDES CRITICAL UPDATES FOR ACCESSIBILITY, EFFICIENCY AND FLEXIBLE USE
Repairing the exterior doors, which are worn down and deteriorating, allowing cold air to seep through the cracks. Many of them do not stay open or closed.
The access ramp is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. It also needs to be moved to the rear of the building. In its current location, rain and snow falls directly from the roof on to the ramp.
We will also be upgrading the building’s insulation and heating, so it’s affordable and comfortable to use year-round, even during the coldest New England winters.
Replacing the railing and making structural changes to the balcony so it is safe, stable, and welcoming for all visitors, including those with mobility concerns.
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Replacing the existing pews with moveable ones, creating flexible seating arrangements that make the Meeting House adaptable for concerts, meetings, celebrations, and more.
The steps in and around the building are uneven, worn down, and steep. They need to be repaired or replaced so the building is more easily accessed and traversed.
As beautiful as the windows are, they offer little protection from the cold. By restoring them, we can extend the use of the building during cold weather.
Making the bathroom accessible to everyone by redesigning the space, updating fixtures, and ensuring it meets modern ADA standards for ease of use.
Installing a lift to provide access to the balcony for individuals who cannot use the stairs, ensuring the entire space is truly open to all.
Tearing up the worn carpet to reveal and refinish the historic hardwood floors underneath, restoring their original beauty while improving durability and function.
A COMMUNITY PROJECT THAT NEEDS YOU
We want to be sure that the Meeting House is an accessible, affordable community space, where all are welcome, but we need your help to achieve this goal. To contribute to the campaign, please visit the donate page.