The Denniston House on Masonic Ave. in Oak Bluffs was the first black church on the Vineyard.
You could easily drive by the dilapidated house on Masonic Ave in Oak Bluffs and see it as nothing more than an eyesore, whose appointment with a demolition crew is long overdue. However, the building, which is a site on the African American Heritage Trail, is actually the home of the island's first African American Church. And it was slated to be torn down to make way for a drive-thru pharmacy.
Oak Bluffs town selectman Ron Diorio was responsible for bringing the fate of the building to the attention of Island Affordable Housing's director Pat Manning back in May of last year. By June 28, they had closed on the sale and plans were underway for Bradley Square - their most ambitious project to date.
From 1907 until 1966, the building was the cultural and spiritual center for the island's black population. Founded as the Mission Chapel by missionary Susan Bradley, the church was originally used as an education center to help the many immigrants from Portuguese speaking lands to prepare for US citizenship. Rev. Oscar E. Denniston, who was assisting Mrs. Bradley in her humanitarian work started holding services in the building's chapel for the island's growing African American population.
When Mrs. Bradley died in 1907, Rev. Denniston renamed the Mission after her and it quickly became the hub for the African American and immigrant communities.
The congregation eventually outgrew the church and moved on to other facilities. The building has been closed for two generations and has sadly fallen into disrepair. Located in the very heart of Oak Bluff's burgeoning Arts District, Island Affordable realized that the building and its property would be the perfect site for a project that will do a lot more than provide affordable housing units, it will also help the community in a number of ways.
The original building will house a cultural center - which is envisioned as a space where a variety of community events can be held, as well as an income-producing rental space for weddings, etc. As well, there will be office space for a non-profit organization and two affordable apartments. Two additional buildings will house another ten residential units and artist studio/living space. There are also plans for an attractive courtyard and green space.
The projected cost of the project is $5 million dollars. Island Affordable was able to quickly raise the necessary money for the downpayment and predevelopment once they pubicized their plans and reached out to the community. The hope is that the vision of this unique project - which will save, restore and honor an important historic site - will inspire people to help with the additional $1.3 million needed before a hoped-for spring groundbreaking can take place.
For more information, or to make a contribution, please go to www.islandaffordable.org, or call the Island Affordable Housing Fund at 508.696.0943.
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