Third Haven Friends Meeting Trustees
2024 Annual Report
Priscilla Sener, President, Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting
Seventy-seven years ago, the members of our meeting incorporated a new entity called The Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, Incorporated. Our monthly meeting subsequently deeded the real property of Third Haven to the new nonprofit corporation in November, 1949. One factor that influenced their decision was the possibility that the monthly meeting might have to be “laid down,” in which case our meetinghouses and burial grounds would be transferred to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Third Haven members considered local ownership and stewardship essential to the continued survival of these historically significant treasures.
Funding for the trustees has come from donations, bequests, and from the growth of investments which could be characterized as an endowment. The trustees support capital projects, large and small. In the 1980’s, construction of the Common Room was partially funded by the trustees, and in the 1990’s trustees supported a major restoration of the Old Meeting House with nearly $450,000 of trustee funds.
A survey of Third Haven records shows the need for major repairs recurs on average every thirty years, beginning in 1698. Current preservation work on the Old Meeting House is designed to break that trend and to last fifty to sixty years. Working with experts in 17th and 18th century frame buildings, Bill Lane has overseen this meticulous work.
To date, the trustees have spent $268,000 on the project, with an estimated $20,000-$30,000 still needed. With work nearing completion, the Old Meeting House will be in good shape for our 350th year and Maryland’s concurrent 400th year coming up in nine years.
In 2025, the trustees continue to be involved with the Brick Meeting House accessibility improvements, insulation, and roofing. Gifts are needed to fund these two major capital projects and to sustain long-term preservation.
We urge members and attenders to support the preservation work of the Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting through an outright gift or through estate planning for a legacy gift. Information concerning gifts to the trustees is located on the back cover of the directory and on the third item of the website donation page.
Trustees can help with questions about donor advised funds or matching grants.
Current trustees are Larny Claggett, Marsie Hawkinson, Bill Lane, Marie Leonard, Allan Mielke, Dee Rein, and Priscilla Sener
This report is given for the information of the Meeting each year and requires no action.