Cory Kegerise is the Community Preservation Coordinator for Eastern Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office. He is a native of Berks County, Pennsylvania and holds a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
I am hoping you may be able to provide me with some information. I am writing on behalf of Ambridge Presbyterian Church on Maplewood Ave. I belong to an organization that rents the church once a week, and this is how I have become acquainted with this particular church. Recently, the pastor had called a collective meeting with representatives from several groups who use the church for various outside purposes, and has expressed a need for suggestions and ideas as to how to the church may raise money for major repairs needed, including HVAC, chimney, and roof repairs, to name a few.It has been mentioned that the church has a fair amount of water damage as well. Although I have not spoken with the pastor directly, a few present in this meeting have relayed to me that this church is over 100 years old. My question is, would something like this be eligible for any kind of grant to help with restoration purposes due to its age? I am not sure that the church is already considered a protected building, and I am not sure if this needs to be a preceding factor. I would really love to be able to provide the pastor with some direction, and thought this may be a place to start. Do you have any thoughts on this matter? If you think that this may be a feasible avenue, are you able to direct me to any helpful lines of communication? Thank you in advance for any help you are able to provide.
Hi Amanda – thanks for getting in touch with us! I recommend that you get in touch with Bill Callahan, the PA SHPO’s Community Preservation Coordinator in your area. You can reach him at wcallahan@pa.gov or 412-565-3575.
Hi Cory,
I am hoping you may be able to provide me with some information. I am writing on behalf of Ambridge Presbyterian Church on Maplewood Ave. I belong to an organization that rents the church once a week, and this is how I have become acquainted with this particular church. Recently, the pastor had called a collective meeting with representatives from several groups who use the church for various outside purposes, and has expressed a need for suggestions and ideas as to how to the church may raise money for major repairs needed, including HVAC, chimney, and roof repairs, to name a few.It has been mentioned that the church has a fair amount of water damage as well. Although I have not spoken with the pastor directly, a few present in this meeting have relayed to me that this church is over 100 years old. My question is, would something like this be eligible for any kind of grant to help with restoration purposes due to its age? I am not sure that the church is already considered a protected building, and I am not sure if this needs to be a preceding factor. I would really love to be able to provide the pastor with some direction, and thought this may be a place to start. Do you have any thoughts on this matter? If you think that this may be a feasible avenue, are you able to direct me to any helpful lines of communication? Thank you in advance for any help you are able to provide.
Sincerely,
Amanda Herr, Hopewell resident
Hi Amanda – thanks for getting in touch with us! I recommend that you get in touch with Bill Callahan, the PA SHPO’s Community Preservation Coordinator in your area. You can reach him at wcallahan@pa.gov or 412-565-3575.