MEROM, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — There has been a lot of talk about preserving historical buildings and homes in Terre Haute, but many Wabash Valley residents aren’t familiar with a building in Merom that’s over 150 years old.
Tucked away in Merom stands a five-story building that was constructed between 1859 and 1863 for Union Christian College. Since then, Board President Beth Reed said generations of people have attended camps, retreats, and classes there.
“This is the hidden jewel in the Wabash Valley”, Reed said. “People don’t know that we have this wonderful, historic building that can be utilized by the community.”
For the second consecutive year, College Hall at Merom Camp and Retreat Center has found itself on Indiana Landmarks top 10 most endangered historical places.
“We need to call attention to our structure”, Reed said. “Our building needs some architectural work completed. We are in the process of having an architectural firm do an analysis or study of the building so that we know exactly how we need to repair it.”
Board member David Shrum said a complete renovation has been taking place on the building’s third-floor auditorium.
“It will probably be the nicest, smallest venue in the Wabash Valley”, Shrum said. “We have new ceilings, a new light system, a new sound system, a new stage. We’ve completely redone it, it will seat about 220 people. We’re going to bring in all kinds of different events.”
However, the board doesn’t currently have the money to make all the necessary changes.
“We need to apply and receive grants, we have operated on having donations in the past”, Reed said. “We need to start a capital campaign in which we have donations from the community and those people who love historic structures.”
Despite all the work that is needed, the board members have no doubt that College Hall will become a place to visit once again.
“We don’t look at the possibility that we aren’t going to get the money, we’re going to get the money somehow through donations or grants”, Shrum said. “We don’t want the building to crumble. The building is a part of, not only the history here in Sullivan County, but also Indiana.”
On September 12th, Merom Camp and Retreat Center is holding a re-dedication event for their new auditorium. It will be free and open to the public with live music and a celebration of the building’s history.
