Panel Rejects Black History Program Over Safety

First Meeting House Preservation Committee · Meeting of October 20, 2026

HUBBARDSTON — The Hubbardston First Meeting House Preservation Committee failed to pass a motion to sponsor a February Black History program after a new structural concern surfaced. Member Michael Stoll told the panel he found an item near the building's stairs and kitchen area that "concerns me" and should be investigated before the circa-1773 building hosts more winter events. On the vote, member Susan Worth recused herself as the event's proposer, and the remaining eight members split four in favor, one against and three abstaining, which Chair Lori Gill confirmed did not reach a majority of the nine-member committee.

Treasurer Susan Worth separately reported a $26,499 fundraising balance that members said did not reconcile against roughly $15,000 in prior expenses, calling it something that "came out somewhere along the line." The committee agreed to ask Building Commissioner Bob Garside to inspect the structure before revisiting the vote, with four other events already booked at the building through mid-December.

In the full story:

• Minutes and Treasurer's Report
• Sandwich-Board Sign and Committee Purchasing Authority
• Piano Maintenance and Building Systems
• Energy Audit Findings and Structural Concerns
• Historical Society Artifacts at the Meeting House
• Fall Festival Preview
• Town Meeting Warrant Articles
• Black History Month Program Proposal and Safety Vote
• Building Access and Temporary Use Policy
• Next Meeting
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,171 words

Source: the First Meeting House Preservation Committee meeting of October 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.