To the Editor:
The morning after Thanksgiving, although cold with the threat of snow, was a memorable one in the small town of Walpole, because it concluded a decade of hard work and dedication towards the complete restoration of the Walpole Union Chapel, by the returning of the weathervane to its home on top of the steeple.
Special thanks must go to Larry Stegna for his time, effort and patience to rebuild the weathervane to its original beauty. Without the steady hand of Brian Cookson of B & B Tree Service to hoist it back to its lofty location, and Chester Rice’s willingness to ride in the bucket to complete its return, the job would not have been completed. Thanks also go to Chris Caswell of Caswell Painting Co. for completing the exterior painting, and Arthur Cushing and crew of Split Rock Carpentry for getting the roof repaired.
The Walpole Union Chapel was built in 1886, as a nondenominational place of worship for the residents of Walpole. The building was relatively abandoned in the early 1970s and was vacant until the mid-1990s when the restoration project began, and held the first annual Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24, 1997.
Through the years there have been many that have helped make this possible: Colby & Gale helped keep us warm, Richard Forstrom of Granite Hill Electric did electrical repairs, Poole Brothers for building supplies, and Randall Waltz for exterior and interior building repairs, and many other helping hands.
This project would not have been possible without the generosity of all the people that have donated throughout the years, and the businesses that have made it possible; our heartfelt appreciation goes to all. Our gratitude goes to all that have seen this through, Chester and Katherine Rice and family, Jesse Aldrich, Eleanor Edlund, Beverly Rines, Phyllis Dow, Adam Rice, Tim Stegna, and in memory of Mervin Rice who started it all.
Please join us for the 11th annual Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, at the Walpole Union Chapel, with Rev. Gibson officiating.
Again, thank you.
Amy Rice McFarland,
Walpole Union Chapel, Board Member, Walpole
