Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting has completed a major improvement to its meetinghouse, supported in part by an $8,000 grant from the PYM Quaker Buildings & Programs Granting Group. The project focused on replacing windows and a door in the main worship space. The result is a room that better holds worship and invites the community to gather again.
The need to replace the original custom windows in the 1961 mid-century modern meetinghouse had been identified since the late 2010s. The single-pane wood-frame corner windows offered no insulation, were deteriorating, and many no longer opened. The adjacent wooden emergencyexit door was also in poor condition and needed replacement.
This became part of a post-COVID revitalization effort that began in July 2022 to improve air quality and eliminate mold throughout the meetinghouse. Replacing the leaking windows with high-efficiency ones was seen as essential to preserve the building and ensure it could serve the community for years to come.
Work commenced in summer 2024. The work was inspected and approved by members of the Property Committee, who noted that everything was functioning well.
Prior to the work, use of the space was limited by noise and temperature. Exterior sound from a nearby highway disrupted worship. With the project complete, the meeting has noticed a dramatic improvement. These Friends have noted that the room is more comfortable, quieter, and no longer drafty. The new windows and door enhanced the space.
Rachel Osborne of the LVMM Finance Committee and LVMM Property Committee expressed gratitude and excitement that, “since late 2024, the meeting has seen a noticeable return of members and an increase in new attenders. Our success measure of increased use continues to be met.”
If your meeting house in active use is in need of building repairs, apply for support from the PYM Quaker Buildings & Programs Granting Group using the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Grants Portal by September 1, 2025.
