Arvonia Historic Preservation Society is the recipient of a grant that will support the exterior restoration plan for the Arvonia Township Hall and Arvonia Calvinistic Methodist Church. Announced June 28, 2022, The Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee awarded the $30,000 grant to AHPS, as a designated fund of the Emporia Community Foundation.

Susan Evans Atchison, AHPS president, said the gift brings the organization closer to the funding needed to reach a goal of completing exterior preservation of the structures.

“On behalf of the board of directors, and all of our volunteers, I would like to thank the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee for its commitment to community roots and the importance of preserving these historic buildings for future generations, and incredible gratitude for their continued generosity to this geographical area for so many worthy charitable causes,” Atchison said.

Mi’Chielle Cooper, AHPS board member, said the grant will open opportunities for the organization to direct other fundraising toward Welsh-American historical programs, educational activities and community events.

The Arvonia School, Calvinistic Methodist Church, and Arvonia Township Hall are listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. Arvonia was founded as a Welsh community in 1869.

Information thanks to AHPS.