Otisville Sanctuary Harbors the Arts
Otisville Sanctuary for Art, Music, and Spirituality
By Fern Ashworth
The Otisville Sanctuary for Art, Music and Spirituality (Otisville SAMS), located at 20 Highland Avenue, is bustling with activity inside and out, in preparation for concerts and assorted activities this fall. This historic building was formerly Otisville Methodist Church, decommissioned in the 1970s, but it still retains some treasures of its past. Stained glass windows, installed in memory of the Ketcham and Wilbur families, and a pipe organ feature prominently in the airy space. Local resident John Wilbur purchased the church, parsonage and carriage house in 2016.
“I happened to be walking by one day and saw the dumpsters there, and I figured they would probably be getting it ready to sell,” he said. “The town has been so supportive. As soon as I bought the place, they were here, helping me fix stuff, and the Mount Hope Historical Society . . . I was really surprised at the interest.”
Wilbur has a deep personal connection with the old church. He attended Sunday school there, and his grandfather helped build the church. Wilbur never met his grandfather, but, said Wilbur, actively participating in the building’s restoration turned out to be “a good experience because I felt like I was getting to know him; he was a very spiritual guy.”
A main feature of the building is the impressive pipe organ. According to Wilbur, the organ was purchased and installed in the early 1900s. It was built by M.P. Moeller, a prolific pipe organ manufacturer in the United States from 1872 to 1992, producing over 12,000, according to Wikipedia. Wilbur said that an attempt was made to get the instrument working, but after they looked at its interior, they quickly realized that they would need help from an experienced organ technician. Wilbur said that he and Jan Muller (Otisville SAMS’s chief financial officer) traveled to Philadelphia to speak with someone about repairing it, but they were unable to meet.
Hope of repairing the organ persists, but it will require a significant investment.
“It would be a really big thing if we could get it working because everyone who comes in asks, ‘Oh, does the organ still work?’” said Wilbur. A possible meeting with a local organ technician is currently being discussed.
Small instrumental groups, such as the Glory Bound Band, play frequently at the venue. “We also have talent nights and concerts,” Muller said.
Poetry readings have been held, and local artists have works on display. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization has limited resources to pay performers but would “love to have groups come in, especially at Christmas time,” said Muller. Information on upcoming events will be found on their website (otisvillesams.org).
Bathroom facilities are available, as well as a small kitchen, and there is a ramp for easy access. Parking is available behind and on each side of the building. A friendly agreement with Holy Name of Jesus Church, also on Highland Avenue, offers additional parking when needed.
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