The beauty of the newly restored exterior, completed in June 2010, is soon to be matched by an elegantly restored interior of the Meeting House sanctuary. The last phase of a $3.5 million restoration by the nonprofit South Church Preservation Fund commences October 2010. At that time, EverGreene Painting Studios of New York will recreate the original Carl Wendte trompe l’oeil decorative painting in the historic sanctuary.
EverGreene is distinguished for its award-winning restorations of the decorative arts and architectural ornament in landmarks across the country—over 80 theaters, 26 state capitols, and scores of public buildings, churches and synagogues, museums, and private buildings. The firm’s interior work on Nantucket will be completed by Memorial Day 2011, with the newly restored sanctuary ready for weddings beginning June 1, 2011.
To read more about the restoration, read "The Renaissance of the Meeting House," by Robert Cocuzzo, published in N Magazine and online.
The sanctuary’s rose-hued upholstered pews seat up to 500 for a wedding ceremony. Overhead, the central interior dome, painted in trompe l’oeil during the 1840s by Swiss artist Wendte, is accented by an elegant chandelier. On either side of the historic space, sunlight streams through tall windows that retain most of the 19th century original glass. Another special feature is the 1831 Goodrich organ, a historic treasure in perfect working order. Its beautiful tone is enriched by the sanctuary’s stunning acoustics.
The principles of Unitarian Universalism are welcoming to people of all faith backgrounds. Shared values are a roof that shelters a wide variety of religious traditions. We welcome interfaith ceremonies and are particularly pleased to host ceremonies held by Nantucket’s Congregation Shirat Ha’Yam, which holds Shabbat services in the Meeting House during summer months.
Since 1985 our ministers have gladly performed "services of union" for same-sex couples. When Massachusetts became the first state in America to recognize civil marriage as a civil right on May 17, 2004, Reverend David Horst and our minister emeritus, the Reverend Ted Anderson, joyfully began uniting same-sex couples in legal marriage.
We look forward to making your special occasion a memorable one.
For information about our rental fees, please talk with someone in our church office at 508-228-5466 or email uuchurchnantucket@verizon.net
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