The New York Landmarks Conservancy awarded the Schoharie Reformed Church one of 17 Sacred Sites grants totaling $267,000 awarded to historic religious properties throughout New York State.
The Schoharie Reformed Church was awarded $15,000 to help fund stained glass restoration.
Schoharie Reformed Church, founded in the 1720s, built its first church in 1724. The current 1844 Greek Revival-style building, completed by builder JG Perry, is the congregation’s second home.
“Our grantees help maintain these vital institutions as they serve their congregations and communities,” said Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
“The social service programs these grantees provide reached more than 175,000 persons during these difficult days.”
The Schoharie Reformed Church is open for several weekly 12-step groups.
Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) has an office onsite with volunteers working on vaccine outreach and resources.
The community playground and basketball courts are open for recreation.
Its vacation Bible school, held in cooperation with two other churches in the village, will be open in 2021.
During non-pandemic times, a Girl Scout Troop with about 45 members meets there and Save Our Schoharie has monthly meetings at the church.
These activities reach over 600 people a year.
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 1,578 grants totaling more than $14.9 million to 836 religious institutions statewide.