MILLSTONE — Pat Butch, who is a member of the Millstone Township Open Space and Farmland Preservation Council, has started an application process that could result in the receipt of funds to be used for repairs and maintenance on the historic Clarksburg Methodist Episcopal Church, Route 524.
The township owns the church. The building, which is listed on the national and state historic registries, is in need of improvements, according to comments made at recent Township Committee meetings. The structure is no longer used as a house of worship.
Municipal representatives will seek a Monmouth County open space grant that would be used to help make the needed repairs.
The issue was discussed at the committee’s July 15 meeting. Many residents who spoke said they are in favor of having the township undertake the repairs, which primarily involve the church’s roof and other structural work.
Township Administrator Maria Dellasala said officials initially signed a contract for repairs to the church, but then decided it should also include a roof, new gutters and leaders, and upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Those items were not included in the initial bid.
Butch said, “I have started the (application) process in the last couple of weeks. We qualify because the church is on the national registry. This is a big deal. It is a big deal in the historic world. It benefits the township with educational opportunities.
“In 1999, the township took possession of the property. It was a church in the 1800s, but since then the use has changed. Little was done to update it and that is precisely what makes it valuable. This building is original to what it was. The township has the responsibility for the building and the maintenance and we have to do some repairs.”
Butch discussed the estimated cost of the repairs, which officials have said may approach $600,000. She said sources of funding could include the Monmouth County Open Space Grant, insurance payments for damage to the building caused by superstorm Sandy, historic grants and Millstone preservation funds.
“There are a lot of ways we receive money … other than tax dollars,” Butch said. “I want to thank everyone who expressed their support to me through phone calls, emails and even stopping me at the supermarket.”
Joanne Kelty, who serves as the township’s historian, said recommendations and advice regarding historic preservation are the responsibility of the Millstone Township Historic Commission.
Resident David Kurzman said he would find it disappointing if the historic church is lost to neglect.
“We don’t have many historic structures in town like this. If you talk to residents, especially in that area, they would be disappointed, too. Once you take it down you can’t put it up,” he said.
Resident Neil Schloss addressed the committee and said, “I notice this is for the church and this (committee) is a government entity. Isn’t there a separation of church and state?”
Committeewoman Nancy Grbelja said the building is not an active church.
“The whole purpose of shoring up the church is for it to be extension of the (historic) Baird property and to be a learning center,” Grbelja said. “No religious activities would take place there.”
Resident Doreen Polhemus said, “Everyone has told you (committee members) over the last couple of weeks how important the building is. It was a community center, our first library and our first school. This church represents our township, our home.
“To see a hole there where once a beautiful monument (stood) is not acceptable. For five years we have told (township officials) it needs repairs. It is in the township’s master plan to take care of historic buildings. Fiscal responsibility is one thing, but this is doing the right thing,” Polhemus said.
Jim Matthews, who serves on the historic commission, urged the committee members to avail themselves of other funding and to preserve what they have in town.