St. John’s Episcopal Issues Fun Challenge to Fund Church Repairs
St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pleasantville is hoping to raise money for restorations by allowing local residents to build a church of their own.
The St. John’s Building Blocks Challenge scheduled for next Sunday, Jan. 25 is asking residents to build a model of the Pleasantville church, parish hall, rectory or all three out of Legos or any blocks of their choice. The contest was developed by Pleasantville resident and parishioner Peter Russell, who came up with the idea after watching his seven grandchildren play with Lego.
“We’ve tried to make it a very creative process,” Russell said.
Participants can build the model at home and bring it to St. John’s for the event, which takes place from 4 to 6 p.m., or they can build the structure on site with their own blocks or ones that will be provided. Although competitors are limited to a plot size of between 144 and 288 square inches, they can make the building as tall as they wish and can add any additional materials of their choice.
The contest will be judged by three architecture and design specialists with Pleasantville connections. Prizes will be awarded to the person or family that creates the best model. Children’s prizes include a block set from Try & Buy Toy Stores or tickets to the Legoland Discovery Zone in Yonkers. For the adults, three bottles of wine have been provided from Best Wines Purveyors in Pleasantville.
Russell said that the money raised from the event will be used to match donations that the church has received from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, the Sacred Sites Program and Diocesan Property Support. He hopes the competition will also help spread awareness about the historical significance of the church.
St. John’s, located at 8 Sunnyside Ave, was built in 1912 for $26,000. It is now in need of significant roof repair and masonry work. Russell explained that before work begins, church officials plan to have an architect draw up new blueprints for the request for proposal process.
The fee to compete in the Building Blocks Challenge is $50 per individual and $75 per family, which can be paid in advance or at the door. All participants much register by this Friday, Jan. 23 by calling 914-769-0053 or e-mailing eighTsunnyside@optonline.net. Spectators are welcome to attend the event and enjoy free refreshments.
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