CHESTERVILLE — A local group has received a $500 matching seed grant to preserve and maintain the 160-year-old meeting house in the center of town.

The Chesterville Center Union Meeting House Inc. Board of Directors announced the grant that aims to sustain the structure for community uses such as meetings, concerts and other events.

The grant was awarded by Maine Preservation, a nonprofit statewide historic preservation organization founded in 1972 to promote appreciation of Maine’s historic places, and to enhance the vitality of Maine communities.

Maine Preservation matching seed grants are awarded to applicants based on the historic significance of the building and the need or anticipated threat to the building. Field representative Christopher Closs met with the board in August of 2011 to assess the historic significance of the building and provide advice on approaching renovations and applying for funds.

The board then submitted an application and was awarded the grant, which will be used to apply to the IRS to become a nonprofit organization, a move that would greatly enhance opportunities for grants to fund Meeting House repairs, maintenance and improvement.

“We’re thrilled at this initial success at pursuing historic preservation funds,” board President Carolyn Drugge said. “We have some significant immediate repair needs, but we are looking forward to bringing the Center Union Meeting House back into the life of the community. Concerts, talks, performances and other events are in our plans down the road, so this is only the beginning.”

The last historic building remaining in the center of Chesterville, the Center Union Meeting House was raised in 1851 following the disassembly of the original Chesterville Meeting House and its removal to North Chesterville.

To donate or become involved, contact Cyndy Stancioff, 778-3513.