The Buntin-Rumford-Webster Chapter held its annual Vesper Service on Aug. 4 at the Old Allenstown Meeting House in Allenstown.
The Meeting House was built in 1815. It is unique in construction because of its slanted floor. It may be the only single story slanted floor meeting house in existence today. It was built for use by religious organizations and for town purposes. Original pew holders names have been preserved.
In 1908, possession of the Meeting House was transferred to the Buntin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. They restored the building in 1909.
In 1985, an arsonist caused extensive damage to the structure. The property was transferred to the New Hampshire Division of Parks and then to the Town of Allenstown. Funds were raised to restore the building. Hundreds of volunteer hours and donations of materials made restoration of the Meeting House possible. The building reopened Aug. 1, 2013.
Since this time, the Buntin-Rumford-Webster Chapter has held a service early each August.
On this beautiful August afternoon, 20 New Hampshire Daughters were in attendance, including the State Regent, Trish Jackson, and her husband, Hans Jackson. The State Regent brought greetings as did Hans Jackson, who is the Past Vice President General of the SAR. Nancee Donovan, Chapter Chaplain, and Janet Anderson, Honorary Past Regent, planned a beautiful service with hymns and readings. Nancee Donovan gave the message. Janet Anderson led the singing of hymns which were played on the Meeting House organ by George Bozeman. Armand Verville helped to open and close the Meeting House an to prepare it for the service.
After the service, those in attendance were able to read about the history of the families who had deeded boxes in the meeting house and to look around the interior and exterior of the building. Refreshments and fellowship followed.