Parsonage Project (2004 - 2005) Heading north on the Inlet Road you pass through tranquil woodlands and then come upon the picturesque St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and Parsonage. Both buildings are sided with bright white painted clapboard and topped with shiny tin roofs. The church itself is still an active place of worship and very well maintained. At the time of the first annual meeting of the Mulgrave and Derry Historical Society (MDHS) in 2001, the Parsonage had not been lived in since 1948. The Parsonage was built in 1906 and was sited as a possible heritage restoration project by MDHS. Although the exterior was recently painted a pressing concern was the original fieldstone foundation. Work on this project started in 2004. Complications arose early
on with the foundation repair when it was discovered that there
was no stonework to speak of below grade. Work on the interior of
the house was a happier story. We were most fortunate to retain
the services of a professional plasterer and painter that did an
awesome job of restoring the cracked and damaged plaster. |
The foundation repair, interior restoration and electrical work were completed in 2004.
In the summer of 2005, work continued with the rebuilding of the back shed. Some modern construction methods were used, such as roof trusses and standard framing but the original size and shape were maintained.
As is usual with this type of restoration project there were many small jobs left to do and these were completed over the summer.
In the fall of 2005 a well and septic system were installed at the Parsonage.
To date, the Society would especially like to thank the congregation
of St. Matthew's Church for all of their support on this project, and
also to the various volunteers and workers that made it all possible.