The New York Landmarks Conservancy has announced 21 Sacred Sites Grants totaling $287,500 awarded to 18 historic religious properties throughout New York State. This includes $13,500 to First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur to help fund stained-glass restoration.
Located in St. Lawrence County about an hour northeast of Watertown, the First Presbyterian Church was designed by architect Sidney Rose Badgley in the Gothic Revival style and built in 1893. Masonry consists of both roughhewn and smoothly dressed Gouverneur marble (alternatively known as "St. Lawrence" or "Whitney" marble.) An “Akron Plan” or auditorium-style worship space, separated from a chapel and classrooms by sliding etched glass doors, has a raked floor that slopes to broad, raised dais, which is situated against the east wall and framed at its rear by a large pipe organ.
First Presbyterian Church reaches nearly 500 people through programs such as a St. Lawrence County Head Start site, concerts, community workshops and seminars, and art exhibits.
“We are pleased to help another 18 historic religious institutions throughout the State,” said Peg Breen, President, The New York Landmarks Conservancy. “Religious buildings tell the story of our history, our immigration patterns and our architectural growth. They also anchor communities. Collectively, these grantees serve 94,500 persons beyond their congregations with social service and cultural programming.”
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 $14.75 million to more than 880 religious institutions statewide, helping fund over $820 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 ’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.