Franklin Preservation Making Progress on Renovation of Old Church, Seeking Community’s Support

| March 23, 2018

FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — A local group’s efforts to restore an old church that would benefit the Franklin community is moving forward.

Franklin Preservation, headed by president Daniel Weiland, is working to raise money to restore the old Lutheran Church that is located at 11th and Buffalo Streets.

Weiland said the church, built by German settlers in 1886, can be a community hub for non-profits, art exhibits, office space and would also have space that could be rented for weddings, baby showers, and similar events.

“We have a lot of interest from non-profit groups that are in need of space,” Weiland said. “There are also many interested in rehearsal space for music concerts, the Barrow Theatre needs rehearsal space, groups like the Cub Scouts need a meeting space, so there is quite a demand.”

Weiland also said a small museum dealing with the history of Franklin could be located inside the church and Franklin Preservation would have an office there.

Franklin Preservation has raised $30,000.00 for the first phase of construction, which is estimated at $97,950.00.

The work would include new electrical service and lighting, foundation repairs, replacing damaged structural wall framing and siding, repairing broken windows and exterior doors, major roof repairs, and installing a handicapped accessible bathroom.

The group is also seeking a $30,000.00 matching grant from the state Historical and Museum Commission.

An Oil Region Alliance grant allowed Franklin Preservation to prepare a plan for restoring the building in three phases.

Phase 1 also addresses building codes, making the structure code compliant so that the building can be used for fundraising events.

Franklin Preservation is also working with Bridge Builders Community Foundation during its “Week of Giving.”

Those contributing to the restoration of the historic building may donate online at bbcfgives.org or

The “Week of Giving” event is being held through Friday, March 23.

Donations made online this week will be matched by Bridge Builders.

Also, all donations are tax-deductible and may be sent to Franklin Preservation at P.O. Box 866, Franklin, 16323.

Franklin Preservation will dedicate 100 percent of donations to the restoration project.

For further information, people may contact Weiland at 814-437-7921 or at ogee_37@yahoo.com.


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Category: Community, Local News, News