LOVELL— Brick Church for the Performing Arts audiences are in for a surprise this summer. In preparation for the 2010 performance season, board members have been plastering, sanding and painting the historic building’s interior walls and trim.

The Brick Church was built and organized by Lovell residents circa 1850. The building was used for more than a century as a place of worship. However, need for the Brick Church as a place of worship diminished with the passage of time and growth of the Center Lovell United Church of Christ. The building began to fall into disrepair.

In 2005, the LUCC transferred the property to a nonprofit organization, The Brick Church for the Performing Arts, formed to restore the building and develop it as a venue for artistic, cultural and educational events.

The building’s acoustics suit its new purpose as a site for concerts, dance, plays, storytelling, children’s theater and other performances. It is also available for such private celebrations as weddings, and for community events.

The historical and architectural importance of the Brick Church was recognized when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Painting will be done by the time the Brick Church opens its summer season with its traditional Storytelling Festival on May 28-29.