GRAFTON, N.H. (AP) - An engineer says a 300-year-old meetinghouse in New Hampshire that was heavily damaged in a 2016 fire poses a safety threat.
The Grafton building had been the home of the Peaceful Assembly Church. The fire killed church founder John Connell.
The Valley News reports engineer Timothy Schaal said in a letter last month to Grafton officials there’s a risk that either the roof or ceiling could collapse. A few tarps covered large holes in the roof and walls.
Schaal recommended that the building be boarded up, followed by a more comprehensive structural assessment. Some holes have been boarded up since.
An April 3 hearing is scheduled on the town’s lawsuit saying church leaders failed to abide by an agreement to repair the building in return for tax-exempt status. The church denies the agreement was broken.
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Information from: Lebanon Valley News, http://www.vnews.com
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