The Roscoe Presbyterian Church has recently received approval for a matching grant from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation in order to assist with repairs regarding the roofs of the sanctuary, the steeple and the social hall.

Constructed in 1884, the building remains a staple in the Roscoe community and is on the New York State Registry of Historic Places.

The grant promised to the church from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation is set to match the amount of funds collected by the church itself, thus halving the project expenses.

It is estimated that the overall cost of the repairs would reach over $40,000. It is the hope of the church’s Clerk of Sessions, Julie Dreher, that the Raise the Roof Fundraiser can bring in at least half of that or more in order for the O’Connor Foundation to match, and the roofing repair costs be totally covered.

Funds for the repairs are being generated via the Raise the Roof Fundraiser, which received over 100 donations from supporters living in the area and those who have traveled out of the area who still wish to give back since July of this year.

According to Dreher, a great deal of the donations sent in are attached with personalized notes of former church attendees who wish to see the building repaired, recalling fond memories of the building and its continuous importance in their lives.

“I think that’s really neat when we get those donations with those personal messages. It’s very encouraging for us,” Dreher said. “It’s a real blessing for the church.”

The church plans on hiring a local professional contractor from the Roscoe area to oversee the repairs come Spring 2022.

If possible, the church wishes to host a reception for generous donors to show their gratitude for their commitment to the historic landmark after the repairs have been completed, according to Dreher.

Donations to the Roscoe Presbyterian Church in effort to preserve one of Roscoe’s historic buildings can be sent to the church directly via mail, their address being the Roscoe Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 16, Roscoe, NY 12776.