Why Vote for Us? | Pourquoi voter pour nous ?
Voting for Sharon Assembly Church isn’t just about preserving the building; it's about honoring the legacy and resilience of the Yarmouth Community. Established in 1877, our church has been a beacon of hope, a meeting place, and a spiritual center for generations. The rich history embedded in its walls reflects the strength and unity of a community that has faced and overcome countless challenges.
Winning this competition would provide the necessary funds to help restore our building, allowing it to once again serve as a vibrant community hub. This restoration project will not only preserve our heritage but will address food insecurity by providing hot meals. By transforming the church into a museum this will allow us to share our history with future generations. Your vote will help ensure that this historical landmark continues to inspire, educate, and remain an inclusive building that is welcoming to everyone in the community.
Our Project's Impact | Les effets de notre projet
Sharon Assembly Church has always been an inclusive place where everyone is welcome. Restoring Sharon Assembly Church through our Next Great Save initiative will have a profound impact on the community. Although the church doors have closed, the current Board of Directors remains dedicated to maintaining strong community ties by hosting a variety of events throughout the year. These include bake sales, yard sales, potlucks, raffles, and informational sessions. During these sessions, we inform the community about our restoration project and seek their valuable input on how we can collaborate to restore our beloved building.
Once restored, the building will once again serve as a vital meeting place and spiritual center. It will provide a safe space for community gatherings, events, and social support activities. By addressing food insecurity, the church will offer hot meals to those in need, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. This will foster a sense of unity and support among community members, creating a stronger, more resilient community.
Moreover, the church's transformation into a museum will preserve and showcase the rich history of the Community in Yarmouth. It will be an educational resource for future generations, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of the community. By preserving this heritage property, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and inspire future generations to continue building a better, more inclusive society. The restored building will stand as a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the importance of preserving the last standing structure in Yarmouth’s Community.
Our Great Save project aims to protect, adapt, renew, and improve Sharon Assembly Church, aligning with The Next Great Save's key goals. By focusing on community needs, we will transform the church into a vibrant hub for gatherings, social support, and education. By transforming the church into a museum, we will be able to provide storytelling that honors the diverse history of our community. Additionally, we will use restoration and traditional craftsmanship, that will allow us to preserve the architectural beauty and historical significance of our church. This project will not only restore our cherished heritage building but also create a meaningful and enduring legacy for future generations.
About This Place | À propos du lieu
Sharon Assembly Church (formerly Disney Chapel and the Rose of Sharon Assembly) held its first service on November 3rd, 1877. Originally established as an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church it was built by architect Robert P. Kelley and named after its founder Rev. Richard Disney, an AME Bishop minister from the USA.
Sharon Assembly Church was attended by members of the Black Community, who have resided in Yarmouth since before the abolition of slavery in the British Empire (1834).
They first arrived in the area as enslaved, indentured, and free individuals. Following the abolition of slavery, racial segregation divided communities by skin color; included churches. It’s thought that racial segregation motivated the community to find their own church, the Disney Chapel. For 148 years the church has served as a meeting place and spiritual center for the Community. However, in 2012, it closed its doors due to a declining congregation and financial struggles.
Today, the dedicated Board of Directors is determined to breathe new life into this Heritage Property. Our heartfelt mission is to restore the church as a community hub that offers hot meals to combat food insecurity and houses a museum to celebrate and preserve the profound history of Yarmouth's Black Community. Together, they strive to rekindle the legacy of hope and unity, ensuring the church continues to inspire and support future generations.
