Building to be run by nonprofit
The historic Methodist Church on Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley has been purchased by the Tompkins Corners Cultural Center Inc., a not-for-profit organization that plans to open it to the public for music, arts, performances and community events, including a seasonal farmers market.
The historic Methodist church in Putnam Valley
Built in 1891 and on the Federal Register of Historic Sites, the Tompkins Corners Cultural Center at 729 Peekskill Hollow Road will also be available to individuals and community groups for meetings, weddings and events of all kinds.
The Methodist Church served the local congregation from its inception until it closed in 2011.
Tompkins Corners Cultural Center was formed by local residents dedicated to preserving the historic building and insuring its continued use by all members of the community. Maaike Hoekstra, president of the center, remembers growing up across from the church.
“It used to be the center of our community,” she said. “There were church fairs, tag sales, hamburger roasts, concerts and plays, and we hope to bring all that back, with the help of our neighbors and friends in Putnam Valley. We want to partner with the schools and give students an opportunity to share their talents. There are music and theater teachers and yoga and tai chi instructors who have talked with us about giving classes at the center. As soon as we can get things going, it will be a wonderful resource for the people of Putnam Valley and beyond.”
Volunteers will be needed to run all aspects of the new center: events, communication and publicity, historic preservation of the building, farmers market, festivals, fundraising and more. For further information, call Judy Allen at 845-528-6643 and check the Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of the Tompkins Corners Cultural Center
