By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

While preserving historic local landmarks can inspire emotion, so too can tax bills.

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Epsom residents gathered at the fire station for the first of two public hearings related to preserving the Epsom Historic Meetinghouse, commonly known as the old Epsom Bible Church building, on Route 4 and Blackhall Road.

A committee has been raising funds to move the building to the site of the new library and old town hall before Cumberland Farms, which is building a six-pump gas station and convenience store, tears the landmark building down.

Proponents of moving the building said refurbishing it into new town offices and a community center could save taxpayers the cost of renting town office space, and said its relocation east on Route 4 could create a visible town center that could elicit a stronger sense of community.

“I’m just hoping the town can come together on this project,” said Dick Frambach, chairman of the Friends of Epsom’s Historic Meetinghouse Committee.

Many residents gathered at the recent meeting questioned preliminary estimates gathered by the Friends committee for moving and refurbishing the 1861 building, which was recently named by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance as one of the seven most endangered landmarks in the state.

“I think there’s a great emotional commitment to this project, but what we’re looking at is a money pit,” said resident Roger Bennett. “I feel strongly the town would be better off with a new building.”

While residents repeatedly questioned what’s anticipated to refurbish and maintain the building for town use, the Friends committee repeatedly stressed its charge was simply to move the building.

“The move has nothing to do with taxes,” said Friends committee member Bruce Graham.

Graham and others said, however, that in order to properly preserve the historic structure, it would also need a use.

“If the building is worth saving, maybe it’s worth using,” said Graham. “The best sense was to make it usable by the town.”

Frambach said the Friends committee has been recently communicating with Cumberland Farms to try and push back the deadline by which the large white building would be razed.

Earlier this month, Cumberland Farms ­ which has pledged $10,000 toward moving the building ­ sent a letter to the Friends committee with a deadline of the end of the month.

A second public hearing is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, at 9 a.m. at Epsom Central School. After that hearing selectmen will decide whether to accept the building.

Accepting the building is contingent upon the Friends Committee raising an estimated $70,000 to move the building down Route 4. The group currently has about $28,000, plus pledges of services and supplies.

If the building is moved, said Friends committee members, a building committee would be established to provide more detailed and accurate data about using the building for town use.