Historic former church reopens as event hall

The town will lift the veil on the newly renovated 1st Parish Meeting House on Sunday with an open house for brides and those who would simply like to see the interior of the building.

Henceforth to be known as the 216 Meeting House, the 185-yearold building has undergone 2 1/2 years of renovation work at a total cost of about $3 million. The landmark former church overlooks the Tyngsboro Bridge at 216 Middlesex Road.

Vendors from throughout the region have been invited to showcase their services and products, according to Alison Page, the town’s recreation director. The town acquired the property in 2013. It is a post-andbeam, gable-fronted, Greek Revival style building with two robust ionic columns at the entry and a prominent cupola rising above the building, which has not been used for religious purposes for many years.

Almost all of the systems and infrastructure had to be repaired or replaced. The town first tackled the deteriorating exterior and began on the interior after money was appropriated at Special Town Meeting.

The sanctuary seats 140 in box pews. Another 20 guests can be seated on a balcony overlooking the sanctuary. The work at the 216 Meeting House was spelled out in a master plan for the Town

Center. The Old Town Hall on Kendall Road was also renovated and can provide space for larger functions. Other features of the renovated building include a wireless sound system for quick electronic plug-in, and a MasonHamlin organ for musical needs. The lower level of the building provides space for a small reception or rehearsal dinner.

Doors open Sunday at 11 a.m., and the event ends at 4 p.m. Another open house is planned for Sunday, Nov. 1.