Fundraisers to save historic Wassaic chapel

WASSAIC — Gridley Chapel, located in the heart of Wassaic, is in need of a little TLC.Built in 1873, Gridley Chapel was the pet project of Emeline Gridley, wife of Wassaic businessman Noah Gridley. The couple constructed the chapel to ensure that children in town had the opportunity to attend Sunday school.True to its origins, the building is still used today to host an after-school children’s program run by the Christian Connection Ministry.Terri Anello, a member of the Christian Connection who has helped with fundraising, believes that the chapel needs to be preserved.“A lot of our historic buildings are being torn down for more modern buildings,” she said. “The workmanship [of Gridley Chapel] is unparalleled nowadays,” she continued, noting that the building is still in good condition, especially on the inside, which has already undergone some renovations.Three upcoming events will raise money to help repair the chapel’s facade and cover operating costs. The events are a historical walking tour, a concert and an apple festival.The two-hour historical walking tour of Wassaic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, as part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble. Local historians will describe the growth of the hamlet, which was founded in 1704. The proceeds of the tour will go toward the exterior painting and renovation of Gridley Chapel.The tour will run from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets cost $5 for adults; children younger than 13 can attend for free.For more information about the tour, contact Vicki Doyle at 845-373-9550 or ameniadoyle@gmail.com.The apple festival will be held at the chapel on Saturday, Oct. 8. It will feature games for children, tasty treats and an apple pie contest.Money raised during the apple festival will go toward the chapel’s operating costs.At 7 p.m. after the apple festival, the chapel will host a concert. The main band will be Thomas Wesley Stern, who played during last year’s chapel concert. Tickets for the concert cost $7 and can be purchased from any member of the Gridley Chapel Restoration Committee or at the door. Money raised during the concert will help renovate the chapel’s exterior.Donations for Gridley Chapel’s exterior painting can be sent to Gridley Chapel, PO Box 90, Amenia, NY 12501.Donations for the chapel’s upkeep and operating costs can be sent to Gridley Chapel, PO Box 174, Wassaic, NY 12592.For more information, call Doris Smith at 845-373-9440 or Terri Anello at 888-200-0959.