Time is running out for UAME church move

Telethon set for Aug. 19 to raise money for the move Warwick — Construction will begin at the site of the Union African Methodist Episcopal Church later this month, which is exciting for its parishioners. However, the historic tiny white clapboard church located at the site for over 100 years must be gone in order to begin. Many in town want to preserve this piece of Warwick history. It was built in 1901 as a place of worship for the black families who lived predominately in the neighborhood. The community came together then, donating their time and money to build the 20 by 40 foot church. Now, many are hoping the community comes through again. The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick has donated land next to the Shingle House, the oldest structure in the Village of Warwick, on Forester Avenue, to preserve the church. But it will take between $35,000 and $40,000 to physically move the church to the site. Currently, the effort has raised $17,000. “The Warwick Historical Society discovered that the old American Gothic style church would be torn down and has been working feverishly to find a new home for it, should they be able to successfully move it n and preserve it as a permanent exhibition that focuses awareness on African-American history in Warwick,” said Mayor Michael Newhard, Historical Society President Sheila Warner, and Rev. Vernon H. Peters of the UAME Church in a joint statement. “There are so few places in the Hudson Valley that offer an opportunity to learn about this period, so this would educate both students and adults.” Next Sunday, August 19, a cablethon to raise money for the move will be hosted by Dick Wells. It will be broadcast on Cablevision channel 12 and WVT TV Channel 12 from 3 to 9 p.m. and feature celebrity guests and live entertainment by local singing groups. The project is a partnership between the UAME Church and The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick. The hope is to preserve the church and use it as a museum with exhibits describing the history of African Americans in the Warwick Valley from slavery through the 20th century. But time is of the essence. If you can help financially, send a check to Stage, Nathan, and Ziobro attorneys at 23 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990. Make the check payable to Stage, Nathan, and Ziobro IOLA. Be sure to put in the check memo ‘Church Preservation Fund.’ All donations are tax deductible. If you have experience in moving buildings or site preparation, or if you want more information on the project, contact Newhard at 845-986-2031 or email him at vlgmayor@warwick.net. Also, you may contact Peter Lyon Hall at 258-1010 or peter@warwickinfo.net. “Can we count on your support for contributing time, treasure, or talent to help us achieve our mission?” asked Newhard, Warner, and Peters. “We cannot create a place for the church in our community history without your involvement. We look forward to you commitment to improving the quality of life in Warwick and for helping to maintain our tradition of preserving the symbols of our past that make us special.”