Third Haven Friends Meeting Trustees
2023 Annual Report
Priscilla Sener, President, Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting
Seventy-six years ago, the members of our meeting incorporated a new entity called The Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, Incorporated. Our monthly meeting subsequently deeded the real property of Third Haven to the new nonprofit corporation in November, 1949. One factor that influenced their decision was the possibility that the monthly meeting might have to be “laid down,” in which case our meetinghouses and burial grounds would be transferred to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Third Haven members considered local ownership and stewardship essential to the continued survival of these historically significant treasures.
Current Trustees are Larny Claggett, Marsie Hawkinson, Bill Lane, Marie Leonard, Allan Mielke, Dee Rein, and Priscilla Sener
Funding for the Trustees has come from donations, legacy gifts and from the growth of investments which could be characterized as an endowment. The Trustees support capital projects, large and small. In the 1980s, construction of the Common Room was partially funded by the Trustees, and in the 1990s Trustees supported a major restoration of the Old Meeting House with nearly $450,000 of trustee funds.
A survey of Third Haven records shows the need for major repairs recurs on average every thirty years, beginning in 1698. Current preservation work on the Old Meeting House is designed to break that trend and to last fifty to sixty years. Under Bill Lane’s leadership, the current round has employed experts in 17th and 18>sup>th century frame buildings. Best available technologies used include laser scans, dendrochronology, continuous digital moisture readings, and dynamic computer graphics. In addition to stabilizing the building, work product includes a detailed maintenance plan and record of the building including new discoveries of historic significance.
To date, the Trustees have spent $185,000 on the current restoration and repair project, with an estimated $90,000-$100,000 still needed. Unforeseen sill rot has increased costs. The building will be available for worship within the month with the understanding that certain exterior work continues.
In 2024, the Trustees will also be involved with the Brick Meeting House accessibility work which is currently out for bids by the Planning Committee of the Monthly Meeting. Gifts are needed to fund these two critical capital projects. To quote past president Adrienne Rudge:
"I urge all members and attenders to support the preservation work of the Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting by making an outright gift or by designating a legacy gift in their estate plans.”
This report is given for the information of the Meeting each year and requires no action.