Fresh Coat Of Paint Is Just A First Step For Sag Harbor's Old Whalers' Church

Last week, a cherry picker appeared in front of Sag Harbor’s Old Whalers’ Church, and a team of up to eight workers began scraping chipped paint from the imposing façade of the circa-1844 church.

Although the church’s new pastor, Nancy Remkus, said a complete paint job is one of the many projects that need to be tackled in the effort to restore the aging landmark, the current work, expected to be completed by Labor Day weekend, will only cover the façade.

“The project, though only the first step, is an outward expression of the rebirth of Old Whalers’ following the challenges we have all faced during the pandemic,” she said.

The paint job is being underwritten by an anonymous “angel donor,” whose daughter will be married at the church later this year, she said.

The family, as well as Mims Family Painting, the Shirley contractor that took on the job on short notice, will be honored when the entire project is completed.

The total renovation project, estimated to cost $250,000, will include a complete paint job and numerous other exterior repairs and will require a fundraising effort and community support, Remkus said.

“Old Whalers’ has always been a beacon,” starting from the days when whaling was big business in the village, until now, she said.

Remkus said the church still serves as something of the heart of the community, providing space for the village food pantry, the LGBT Network, a Latino Pentecostal congregation, as well as a temporary home for Temple Adas Israel.

“I see my mission as keeping things moving forward,” she said, noting that she had been working on transforming an old nursery room into a Sunday school classroom and sprucing up the grounds. In addition, architect Randy Croxton, who is a member of the congregation, has been working on a list of projects that need to be completed before the exterior can be completely repainted.

“One of the mottoes of the church is: ‘An open door since 1844,’” Remkus said. “I like the feeling that the door is open to anyone who wants to belong to a community, who wants the peace of being together in a community exploring their own spiritual journey.”