Robert Haveles explained that the project will re-purpose the former Union Evangelical Church, which was built at 2072 Main St. as the First Baptist Church circa 1850.
The former Union Evangelical Church on Main Street in Three Rivers is being eyed as an historical and performing arts center.PALMER - Robert S. Haveles came before the Town Council recently to discuss an ambitious plan to turn a Three Rivers church into a historical and performing arts center called "Inspirational Hall."
Haveles explained that the project will re-purpose the former Union Evangelical Church, which was built at 2072 Main St. as the First Baptist Church circa 1850.
Haveles said the remaining members of the Union Evangelical Church are willing to sell the building for $1 or donate the building and property for this new venture. It has been vacant for some time, he said.
Haveles said he plans to set up the center as a non-profit overseen by a Board of Directors composed of residents, business leaders, library officials and local historical society members.
Besides giving the community a place to enjoy the arts and view Palmer's historical artifacts, the site will provide a location for Haveles' Palmer Events Planning, the group behind such events as the annual Nostalgia Day celebration. He eventually expects to have a curator and programming director for the hall.
Haveles said he plans to collaborate with the historical societies, schools, Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, Greene Room Productions (a theater company), and other organizations to make Inspirational Hall a reality.
He envisions a place where visitors can take in a concert, watch a classic movie, view railroad and other historical memorabilia and attend guest lectures.
"The project, the idea and the vision would not have even happened if not for the former congregation of the Union Evangelical Church. They would love to see it remain as a church, but there has been slowly an attrition of churches in all denominations," Haveles said in a follow-up interview.
Haveles said he heard the church officials were looking to relinquish the property, so he approached them with his idea, and they were receptive.
"I really truly want to make this a community effort. We will be needing people with a variety of different skills. We would love to hear from them, if this is something that interests them," Haveles said, adding those with writing, Internet and handyman skills will be needed, as well as people genuinely interested in history or performing arts.
He said he can be contacted by email at palmerevents@yahoo.com, or at (413) 283-3054, or at his business, Architectural Insights, (413) 283-2553.
At the end of March, Haveles is planning to hold a "sampling" of events that would be featured at the hall, from music to historical programming, to give the community an idea of how the building would be used.
The building needs work, and Haveles said he has spoken to Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School representatives about having the students help out.
"There are a lot of capital things that we're going to have to do to the building," Haveles said.
Handicapped accessibility is one of the issues, he said.
To raise money for the endeavor, Haveles said they may sell the "gorgeous" pews. He said the altar space will become the theatrical space, and noted there is a fellowship hall in the basement that could be utilized.
"This has endless possibilities," Haveles said.
District 4 Town Councilor Donald Blais Jr. praised Haveles for choosing Three Rivers for the project. He told Haveles he is a history lover and is involved in Revolutionary War reenactments.
"I think people will rally to it. There is so much history in this area," Blais said.
"Good job, Bob," said Councilor Blake E. Lamothe.
"Fabulous," said at-large Councilor Mary A. Salzmann.
Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard called it an "outstanding idea" and noted the potential of state cultural facilities grants. He said the town manager's office will do whatever it can to support the support the project.
"At the moment this is just a vision," Haveles said.