From staff reports
A building owned by Franklin Preservation is undergoing a dramatic makeover.
The structure, known as the ‘Old Lutheran Church’, is located at 1101 Buffalo St. in Franklin.
The 1886 stick style structure was purchased in 2015 with generous support from community members, said Lynn Pacior-Malys of Franklin Preservation. The organization intends to fully restore the building and to continue its use as a public venue.
The tower was reinforced with new structural framing for the eventual installation of a new soaring pyramidal roof replicating the original.
Deteriorated framing was replaced at the same time along with damaged siding, trim, and window sills. Six tower windows were refurbished using existing ‘wavy’ glass taken from windows from the rear of the structure.
A new portico roof was constructed over the front doors that matches the secondary entrance that also faces Buffalo Street.
Restoration kicked into full swing when Franklin Preservation received a matching Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission grant.
The funds received from the Historical and Museum Commission grant are designated to replace all the roof shingles, install much needed gutters and downspouts and restore the existing eaves. The work continues and is about 80 percent complete.
“At the moment, while the world deals with the pandemic, Franklin Preservation is relying on social media and online events such as Bridge Builders Week of Giving to support restoration efforts,” said Malys. “The group’s restoration committee is optimistic that its annual events will resume.”
The next phase of restoration is the front facade and the stained glass windows. A new paint color scheme is in the works that will begin the transformation of Franklin’s newest landmark and reopen it to the public.
Additional information about Franklin Preservation is available at www.franklinpreservation.org.
