FARMINGTON — Exterior changes are beginning to show as the Old North Church receives its first coat of paint as renovation and preservation improvements continue.

A summer auction series by the Farmington Historical Society begins Thursday at Old North Church.

The society is in the midst of renovating the Old North Church built in 1873 and used as a house of worship, community and meeting center for years. The sanctuary remains in original condition complete with working organ, according to a news release. The basement has had extensive renovations and is currently being finished to useable condition for community and civic events.

Three summer auctions are planned at the 118 High St. location. Items to be auctioned include pieces from the society’s collection that are either duplicates or have been donated for sale. Proceeds will be used to continue renovations at the Church.

Society president Taffy Davis said in the release, “with the recent acquisition of the Octagon House, two doors down the street from the Old North Church, the need to make the Old North Church useable once again increased in importance. Both of the buildings will be available for use by individuals and organizations in the near future and we want to get them to an accessible and useable state as soon as possible. This auction series will free up needed space so exhibit areas can be properly set up and will generate needed funds so renovations can continue. Recently, during Farmington’s Summer Solstice Celebration, a workshop for children was held in the newly renovated space at the Old North Church that attracted 30 children that learned historic methods of making arts and crafts.”

The summer auctions will be from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Thursday of July, August and September, with public viewing beginning at 5 p.m. A $2 donation at the door is requested and refreshments will be available for purchase. Auctioneer Adrian Harris will conduct the auctions and all sales are final.

Donations continue to be accepted for the August and September auctions and consignments are being accepted. For information and pickup, call 491-8635.


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