Staff Writer
SMYRNA — Residents of Smyrna and Merrill will be asked next week to consider what they’d like to do with a now-vacant local landmark. At a May 20 public hearing, residents will discuss “the option of the joint towns in pursuing the acquisition” of the Smyrna Mills United Methodist Church, a more than 70-year-old Route 2 church.
Dwindling attendance prompted a decision to close the church and its final service was held April 14. But some community members have expressed interest in making sure the landmark doesn’t slip away.
“It really was a big part of local history,” said Candy Nevers, town manager for Smyrna and Merrill. “We’ve lost other historic buildings — our school, our grange — they’re all gone. And people have said we need to preserve this piece of history.”
The Methodist congregation in Smyrna dates back to 1800s when parishioners first met in the Smyrna Mills schoolhouse. By 1896, the community had its own church building, but that church was destroyed by fire in 1932. Rebuilding started in 1933 and the current building was completed in 1935.
Marlene Lawlor has been a member of the Smyrna church for over 60 years and said she’d be happy to see the building find a new use.
“Oh, I’m all for it,” she said of the proposed purchase.
The building is currently owned by the United Methodist Church’s association which is scheduled to take over management of it in July. Until then, a board of local trustees oversees the building.
The building, though in need of some updates, appears to be in good shape. It includes an expansive sanctuary, a full kitchen and dining room downstairs.
“If we (the towns) did keep it, it could still be used for different events,” said Lawlor. “And even the basement is large enough to have meetings.”
Nevers echoed that thought, adding that neither town has a place for public meetings.
“We currently travel out of town to Oakfield or Dyer Brook for town meetings,” she said. “And there are a number of other groups who could use this space, as well.”
No purchase price is available at this point; the hearing will focus on giving people a chance to see the building and consider getting more information on a potential purchase.
“We’ve had a lot of positive comments on it so far,” said Nevers. “But we want to know what everyone thinks — positive or negative. And this is chance for people to come, look at the building and think about what they might want to do.”
The hearing will be Tuesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. the church on Route 2 in Smyrna.
