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Sand Beach Church Undergoes Transformation into an Event Chapel and Hall
In 1852, the pastor of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church on Sand Beach Road bought a 70-acre farm next to the church and built a boarding school for boys. Over the years, the school became a private home and a restaurant that has changed hands several times, and is now the Springside Inn.
The beautiful church was built in 1852 and dedicated in 1855. It is in the Gothic Norman style and the estimated cost of construction back then was $7000. Bricks came from the brickyard operating behind the present-day Harriet Tubman Home.
The church served its faithful congregation until ’97 when it closed its doors after over 150 years of service. It was acquired in July ’07 by the owners of Springside Inn, Sean and Beth Lattimore, who are making the church part of the Springside Inn business. The Lattimores have restored the interior of the church to accommodate both wedding ceremonies and public space for business use and private parties.
The foyer was brought back to its 1930s beauty with its original wainscoting, period sconces and chandelier. It is the perfect welcoming area with seating. The integrity of the interior is being maintained with movable pews that can seat 100. It can be converted for tables and chairs for parties, corporate meetings, seminars and business events. The floors were refinished and the original brick is exposed on the back wall. Wood panels and sconces adorn part of the front wall and four original lights that were found in the attic hang from the ceiling.
The building has a kitchen, for catering events. The balcony also has a bar and seating area and the outside will have a handicapped entrance and additional parking. The lovely church, which has been named “The Point,” is already booked numerous events since it opened in December ’07. Congratulations to Sean and Beth on the restoration of this beautiful historic site. www.springsideinn.com
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