Local Expert Assesses Historic Plumstead Meetinghouse
This past spring, Jeff Marshall, historic preservationist, and past president of the Heritage Conservancy visited the Plumstead Meetinghouse to assess its construction and to answer questions from those on hand. Rick Speranza, of the Newtown Historic Association, and Clint Flack of the Mercer Museum, were also present to contribute their knowledge.
The original meetinghouse, located on Point Pleasant Pike, was built in 1752, and was noted as a landmark on British spy maps during the American Revolution. In 1875, the meetinghouse was reduced in size, “modernized,” and rebuilt. It is a fascinating combination of old and even older styles and materials.
The attic space contained a variety of timbers, possibly recycled from the earlier structure or even local barns. One was dated 1809. Because the attic was accessible only from a vent in the exterior wall, a man lift was used to get inside this area, which also enabled the use of photographic equipment.
Inside the first floor, the benches were of great interest. Those constructed with cut nails dated from before 1840, and some contained graffiti carved by Quaker children long ago.
The gathering was part of a continuing effort on the part of Plumstead Meeting to partner with local organizations, to learn about the history of the meetinghouse, and to maintain it in a historically sensitive manner.