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In 1912 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church was designed by its pastor and built by congregation members and friends. It featured a colonial fan entranceway, a small tower and seating for 300 people. The building rapidly became the center piece of Main Street, remaining virtually unchanged until the spring of 1976. At that time, two itinerant artists, Johnathan Kendall and Charles McLeod created two hand-carved doors for the church in return for permission to camp in the garden. These doors earned a special place in Wellfleet's heart and history of the doors shows the community's interest in preserving them. In 1983 and 1984 the lower level of the church was the home of the Outer Cape Performance Company. For a more detailed history of the building, click here. In 2001 the Town of Wellfleet bought the church from The Diocese of Fall River and established the 335 Main Street Committee to plan for the use of the property. The Board of Selectmen and the 335 Main Street Committee agreed that the original property should be preserved and used as a community/cultural center. Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Inc. was created to achieve this purpose. |
Wellfleet Preservation Hall will help stem the slow decline of services that the village center has witnessed over the last thirty years, including the loss of several major businesses. During this same period, Wellfleet’s population has been growing. From a year-round population of 1743 in 1970, it has doubled to about 3500 in 2006. The peak in summer population continues to grow and is now about 17,000. Made up of tradespeople, professionals, artists, artisans, and their families as well as retirees, this increasingly diverse population wants and needs a vital community center that provides a wide-range of services year-round. The Regional Policy Plan of the Cape Cod Commission states that, “the reuse of historic buildings in village centers is encouraged in order to preserve the distinctive characteristics of each Cape Cod village and to promote revitalization of these areas while respecting the traditions and distinctive character of historic village centers.” WPH Incorpoated's mission is directly aligned with the Commission’s goals. |