The House of Prayer is a venerable church that stands with grace, distinction and history in our See city. Situated at Broad and State Streets in Newark, the church building was constructed in 1850 on land that was commonly known as the “Plume Property,” acreage that was owned by the Plume family since the early years of the 18th century. The church was consecrated that same year by Bishop George Washington Doane. Located on the property was the Plume House built in the early 18th Century about 1725. It was remodeled as the rectory to accommodate the first rector, the Rev. Samuel Southard.
Over the past 160 plus years, the church interior was decorated and furnished; organs installed; tower bells purchased; pews and chairs acquired; and important repairs and improvements were made. Now, another important repair is needed – this time on the venting of the church heating system.
The church boiler is located in the basement, not an unusual placement for a furnace. However the aged and antiquated venting system has presented a challenge that needs correction. Recently the system failed and smoke filled the basement and seeped up to the church. Without heat in the church, the congregation began worshiping in the parish hall that has a separate heating system. Steps are being taken to address the problem with the vent system and that’s where your support is needed.
By today’s standards, the venting system installed many generations ago is a building code violation and creates a dangerous situation as has already been experienced. The venting of smoke is done through a small brick tunnel that runs from the boiler to the back of the church, and then up a chimney that peaks above the church roof. The brick, stone and mortared tunnel has disintegrated over the years, making the venting even more difficult despite the installation of an electric fan to help push the smoke to the chimney.
The solution is to construct a new brick chimney in close proximity to the boiler on the side of the church to vent the heating system. The plans and materials have been approved by the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission. Special official authorization was needed because the church is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
This first BCEF Call of 2012 will help the congregation complete the project and the parishioners are hopeful that they can begin worshiping in the church by Palm Sunday.
Your generosity is much appreciated.
