Minutes October 13, 2026– Town of Warwick MEETINGHOUSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting at Meetinghouse for Walk Through 6:30 then to Warwick Town Hall
Attending: Members Andrea Woods, David Young, George Day, David Beach, Jim McRae, John Gagliani Absent: Jack Cadwell, Adrian Paul, Claudia Lewis
- Walk through of basement of Meetinghouse: Measurements were taken of the amount the floor is leaning – seems to be about 6”. Jim M looked in some of the basement level window access and could see where there have been modern pads added under floor beams indicating some improvements have already been made. George offered to check with the St John the Baptist Monestery who sent a structural evaluator in some time ago to see if we could see/use the report. Andrea took pictures of the some of the items needed to be declared surplus and disposed of including Lithographs, Large Bureau, Florence brand kitchen stove, Chandelier parts, Smith Pump Organ, Philco cabinet radio.
- Minutes: At 7:11pm, the meeting resumed at Town Hall and Andrea moved to accept the minutes of September 22, Jim McRae 2nd. No discussion. All voted to accept the minutes.
- Hear and discuss:
GEORGE REPORTS ON ACTIVITY IN THE LAST MONTH
George read an appreciation letter from Janet Cadarette of California with a $250 donation towards the work of meetinghouse preservation. George also allowed a minister from Maine who had attended a library program to view and play the pipe organ who was very impressed with its playability.
WINDOW SHADE
No action
ITEMS AT THE MEETING HOUSE BASEMENT FOLLOW UP
Jack Cadwell reported to George earlier that the stove company he checked with (Erickson) was not interested in a Florence Stove (made in Gardner) and suggested we could get a few hundred dollars on Facebook Marketplace. It was decided we should keep the chandelier and its parts. There was discussion about town policy of proceeds from sale of surplus must go to General Fund. George recalled there was a workaround for this. This needs to be cleared up before selling the stove which is the only thing that appears to be worth much.
A date of NOVEMBER 7 AT 10AM was set for a Clean Up day to go to the transfer station with various trash in the basement. Will need Green Town Trash bags although we don’t have to pay for them. Pickup trucks will be provided by George and Jim for transportation of bulky items to the transfer station.
FINANCE
A summary report was provided to the committee showing a balance of $84,412.28. John Gagliani has offered to work with the town accountant for more detailed updates and will keep and report monthly, our own committee’s report. Because John will need to work with the town on bill paying and approving warrant items, Andrea nominated John as VICE CHAIR and Jim McRae 2nd. All voted in favor.
There was an error in categorizing organ repair to the Meetinghouse funds rather than from the agreed upon Celebrations line item. If that can be changed (not in FY26), the amount in the fund can be adjusted. If it’s a past year bill, we will not be able to recover it.
If we decide to do an auction or raffle for the donated afghan and perhaps other items, we will need a Town Permit.
George will submit the $250 donation to the town treasurer.
GRANTS
No news yet on the earmark grant for water improvements. Jim M will reach out to his Mass Historic contact and see about future meeting date so we can discuss the possible benefits through historic grants if we complete the process.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY CONNECTION
At a recent Historical Society Meeting, John, Claudia and Andrea were present to discuss the possibility of items from the HS to be displayed at the Meetinghouse. Andrea found online and edited an item loan agreement that would protect both entities and detail the agreement for such loans. Right now, that is only expected to be portraits. The committee agreed this was a good idea. When it’s time to possibly put up hanging infrastructure in the meetinghouse for the portraits, perhaps for Memorial Day 2027, we can look at it again.
OTHER BUSINESS:
None
Next meeting date was set as November 10, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Adjournment moved by George D., seconded by Andrea W voted by unanimous vote at 8:01 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Woods, Clerk