The Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard is proposing to put its 200-year-old Edgartown parsonage on the market, while simultaneously losing the settled minister.
Facing sweeping change, the Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard is proposing to put its 200-year-old Edgartown parsonage on the market, while simultaneously losing the settled minister who has led the church for not quite a year.
The proposal to sell the Mayhew Parsonage follows a court decision handed down in February allowing the church to dispose of the property.
“That thing has been a thorn for the longest time,” church moderator Walter Vail told the Gazette this week. “It was a great gift by Sarah Mayhew, but it’s an asset that requires a lot of work and a lot of money.”
With an assessed value of $12 million, the harborfront parsonage at 75 South Water street stands on the site of the original home of Thomas Mayhew, who founded the Federated Church in 1642 and was its first minister. Ms. Mayhew, his descendant, willed it to the church in 1956 with restrictions that were removed by February’s court ruling.
“I’d rather have another parsonage someplace in Edgartown,” said Mr. Vail, who served on a church subcommittee that has unanimously recommended selling the property. The church is holding a special meeting of all its members Nov. 1 to discuss and vote on the proposal.
The parsonage most recently has been occupied by Richard DenUyl, who became the church’s settled minister in November 2019.
But by the time church members meet to vote Nov. 1, Mr. DenUyl will have moved out. His final sermon will be posted on the Federated website that morning.
“I continue to believe that I was the right candidate to be the settled pastor,” Mr. DenUyl told the Gazette this week. “Unfortunately, when Covid-19 hit and the real estate prices shot up, this process took on a life of its own.”
Mr. DenUyl said he and his wife, a pediatrician, loved living in the parsonage and are “heartbroken” to leave the Vineyard, but will continue to visit in summers in their sailboat.
Mr. Vail expressed regret at Mr. DenUyl’s departure.
“I have not heard anybody recently in that church who is as good in the pulpit as he is, and I hope he can continue to do it wherever it is,” Mr. Vail said.
Former interim pastor Charlotte Wright will return to the church Nov. 8 and is currently working with Mr. DenUyl on the transition, he and Mr. Vail said.
The church membership meeting takes place Nov. 1 at noon at the Trinity Park Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs.
The headline and story have been changed from an earlier version to clarify that the sale of the parsonage is proposed, and not final.
Comments
How short-sighted of this
Preservationist EdgartownHow short-sighted of this Council to sell this historic property. It has far more value to be (properly) restored and rented out as a summer or year-round residence and have the church retain the property - everyone knows how valuable land is! And, why hasn’t the church been fundraising? Whoever’s in charge has no understanding of value and business and nonprofits! Myopic is another word. So who wins? The already-selected broker who’ll pocket 6% of $12 million ($720,000).
For the record, Thomas Mayhew
Factchecker Oak BluffsFor the record, Thomas Mayhew was deceased before this property came into the family. The sale price will not be near the assessed value which is meaningless since the property hasn't been taxed since the 50's. As for the Preservationist comments, the church doesn't have the $250,000+ needed to return the property to acceptable standards, would still need to provide housing for our pastor, and renting would only add to the costs due to the real estate taxes we would then have to pay. Also, the article sounds like the sale caused Pastor Denuyl's leaving. He was given two years to lead the church before we would even consider selling the parsonage, but he decided it should be done sooner rather than later and encourage the church to sell it.
Correction fact checker.
Rev. Richard DenUyl EdgartownCorrection fact checker.
I supported going ahead with the process to discern the will of the congregation as to whether they would be interested in selling the parsonage. I asked that my name, as the settle pastor, not be invoked in this process so as not to divide my congregation. As you are full aware this process took off in the opposite direction and took on a life of its own.
Oh, no, say it isn't so....
Lorraine EdgartownOh, no, say it isn't so.....I am desolate. Absolutely and irrevocably desolate...not all change is good. Can this be undone? Oh, please, please, please, a plea from a resident of the village...
The broker will profit and
Islanddog EdgartownThe broker will profit and some super wealthy person will buy it on the cheap (well cheap to them and an unattainable cost for most Edgartown residents) and thus goes the Edgartown $$$$$$$ carousel.
I agree there should have been fund raising for upkeep on this property and maybe the church wouldn't have had to sell. I'm assuming there is no mortgage on this property? If not, why doesn't the church take out a line of credit for home improvements? (after the fundraising of course)
This is sad to see it leave the church.
$12 million with a large
William Edg$12 million with a large renovation needed and no dock (and zero chance of ever getting one)? I doubt it. Still, if they able to get $9 million and purchase a newer in town build for $3-$4 million they would be left with (for arguments sake) $4.5 million. That $4.5 million if properly invested can yield about 4% or $180,000 annually to the church and still preserve capital of $4.5 million. If the church cannot afford to maintain the house, it makes financial sense to turn the money pit into two assets one to house the minister and one that can pay out over many years. I am not a member of the congregation and I suspect there are many that want no change to which I would say, "that's fine go ahead and pay for what's needed to renovate and maintain the property."
I knew there was a committee
Dr. Pat Edgartown & Dania Beach, FLI knew there was a committee discussing the future of the parsonage but I had no idea the proposal for a decision was so soon. I did talk in person with Mary Jane Carpenter about the history I knew of and what I thot would be possible options. I grew up in the church and have adult memories at Christmas in the parsonage, on the lawn for house tour tea, and a wedding reception also on the lawn. Wish there was more time for input and discussion as my hope would be to not sell.
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