The Congregational Church manse in Great Barrington shown above, left, was constructed in 1884 of dolomite quarried locally. The funds and materials to build the handsome structure were supplied by Mrs. Mary Hopkins, widow of railroad magnate Mark Hopkins, whose ancestral relative was the first pastor of the church.
According to several sources, Mrs. Hopkins intended to leave an endowment for the long-term maintenance and repair of the manse, but after she married Edward Searles (interior designer for Searles Castle), any additional funding or gifts were cut off. As many decades passed, the congregation was greatly challenged to maintain the structure, and the building deteriorated.
Over the past two years, the congregation was able to complete restoration of the manse with support from many sources. Substantial grant money was recommended by the local CPA committee and approved by the voters of Great Barrington. Additional funds were obtained from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the church’s capital campaign and a loan from Lee Bank.
All are invited to a special open house at the manse today, Saturday, November 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a rare opportunity to tour the interior of the impressive home.
Additional “Then & Now” photographs are shown below.
