South Church Seeks Community Input on New Uses for Historic Structure
South Church is opening a community conversation on the future of its Manse—a gracious building on Broadway formerly used as a home for its clergy.
A newly-formed Manse Use Committee is hosting two open houses for South’s campus partners and two for its Sunday worshipping community. Feedback will be gathered by this link and on-site.
- Campus Partners Open House: Saturday, March 1, 10:00 am – noon
- Campus Partners Open House: Thursday, March 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- South Church Coffee Hour: Sunday, March 9, 11:00 am – noon
- South Church Coffee Hour: Sunday, March 16, 11:00 am – noon
“The needs and the resources of our congregation, and the community, have drastically changed since our spiritual ancestors built these beautiful buildings,” said South Church Minister Margery Rossi. “With this committee, we begin a new conversation with curiosity and hope about what might happen in this space to serve our neighbors in a new way, that aligns with the mission that drives all of our ministries.”
The Manse Use Committee brings together church members and members of the community involved in faith, justice and the arts—the three pillars of South Church’s mission—as well as those who know the rivertowns well.
“We’re looking at how other sacred places have reimagined their buildings and created partnerships, while thinking specifically about our community’s needs,” said George Epstein, church member and committee chair. “We’re also actively soliciting input and ideas from South’s campus partners and members of the community.”
The Manse was built in 1869 as a home for South’s ministers. The structure features 11-foot ceilings, three first floor public spaces and a winding staircase leading to four bedrooms. It is one of three granite buildings on South Church’s campus, which also include The Wilde House, home to Days of Wonder; and the church sanctuary. All are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The first minister to live in South’s Manse was the Rev. Thornton MacNess Niven, D.D., who served South Church from 1869 to the early 1900s. One of the most famous visitors to the Manse may have been his grandson Thornton Wilder, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of “Our Town.”
The Manse has been vacant since 2021, with some use as Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry storage. The building has substantial needs including a new boiler, new electric and increased amperage, additional supporting beams and complete renovation of the third floor.
“Our hope is that partnerships will advance shared visions and help fund the restoration of this historic structure,” said Lenore Person, a Session liaison to the Manse Use Committee.
MANSE USE COMMITTEE
Chair: George Epstein
Church members Laura Giannone, Katy Gravenor and Tristan Gravenor; church elders Kay McCoy and Lenore Person. Pastor Margery Rossi. Community members Melanie Dobbs, a local realtor and former president of the Dobbs Ferry Chamber of Commerce; Janet Donat, long-time community educator and advocate for individuals and families impacted by justice involvement; Emily Higgins, president of Ensemble Companio chamber choir; Robin Larkins, South Church administrator and director of SPRING Community Partners; and Malcolm MacDougal, a sculptor and Days of Wonder parent.
