Warwick Historical Society receives grants to restore the UAME Church

WARWICK — The Warwick Historical Society has received three grants to help restore the historic Union African Methodist Episcopal Church (UAME) located nearby Shingle House on Forester Avenue.
The grants, totaling $17,000, were given by Jones Chemical in honor of its dedicated employees, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., and the Warwick Savings Foundation.
This century-old historical church is a testament to Warwick’s rich African-American heritage.
The church, built in 1906, was originally located on McEwen Street in Warwick.
Built with the help of funding from Warwick residents, the church symbolized the collaboration between the region’s black and white communities in the early 20th century – a relationship considered quite progressive for its time.
Donation and relocationIn 2007 the UAME Congregation donated the building to the Warwick Historical Society when its members outgrew its walls.
Through a generous donation from an anonymous donor, the Warwick community, and once again a grant from the Warwick Savings Foundation, the church was moved, intact, to its current location on Forester Avenue and restorations began.
Additional assistance for the move was donated by Orange & Rockland and Cablevision.
Plans as a cultural center and as a meeting placeThe restoration so far has included improvements such as insulation, interior wall finishes and lighting and restoration of the doors, floor and other infrastructure.
The newly allotted funds will help the society to make the building handicap accessible, install a heating and air conditioning system as well as a rest room.
The society's intends to utilize be building as a cultural center for workshops, exhibits and lectures, an art gallery and a meeting space for community organizations.
As the society identifies the necessary funds, the Forester Avenue campus, which houses four structures and an active archaeological dig, will transform into a history laboratory.
This coming Spring a permanent Agriculture Exhibit will open in the Sly Barn and the ShingleDig, which is now fenced will be accessible for educational purposes.
Essentials• Founded in 1906, the Warwick Historical Society’s mission has been to preserve and celebrate the vibrant history of the Town of Warwick and its people, and engage our communities through a variety of programs aimed at developing an understanding and appreciation of our unique historic heritage.
• For more information, call 845 986-3236 ext. 106 or visit www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org