McGowan house was built in 1918 as a spiritual retreat. Design of the house derives from the the influential early-20th century architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. Greene and Greene structures are prime exemplars of the American Arts and Crafts Movement emphasizing meticulous worksmanship with use of natural materials. Through the decades, it has become an ever more inclusive, welcoming place, a spiritual center for groups of diverse sensibilities. And just over a century after its first opening, this house was in need of significant repairs. Earlier this year, the whole roof  has been redone, handicap accessible bathrooms installed, the chimneys inspected, the original dining room and main entrance wood floors have been refinished, the basement has been cleaned out after many decades of accumulation and the kitchen was given a new life with fresh paint and new floors. May McGowan House remain that spiritual haven that welcomed  people striving to make our community a better place for the decades to come!