RUMFORD — The circular window above the former altar now spouts bubbles during wedding receptions and parties. The former altar fencing now sets off the table for a bride and groom. A fireplace that looks like it has always been there is a focal point of the former vestry. But the stained glass windows still allow the sun’s rays into the former sanctuary and chapel.

Cindy and Scot Grassette have worked for seven years at the former Franklin Street Methodist Church.

But now, with the help of friends and family and an enormous amount of determination, they have met their goal and their dream — the opening of 49 Franklin, a catering and reception hall, and a performance art theater.

Cindy has used her creativity and can-do attitude to turn an old upright piano into a fancy coat rack. She has refinished virtually all the woodwork, and has turned some doors into tables. She restored the tin ceilings that had been a part of a house next door and placed them in strategic places in the hall. And now, she is the coordinator of events — weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries or anything — for the large and unusual location that also offers food.

In addition to the catering hall, 49 Franklin also includes its own catering service, Grapevine Catering, Grassette Entertainment with disc jockey services, events coordination, emcee services, and even someone to perform a wedding. Scot has his notary license.

Scot, an electrician at NewPage Corp., has spent virtually all of his non-working hours rewiring the former church. The couple removed the steeple, and have parking space for 50 vehicles at the side and rear of the former church.

The whole place is air conditioned and the new bathrooms are handicap-accessible.

An open house with more than 300 people attending was held last week.

Cindy wasn’t surprised when the phone started ringing off the hook right afterward with people asking for information on catering, parties and other events.

The hall’s first wedding is set for Saturday, but its first event was a high school reunion during the first weekend in August.

That was very special because both Scot and Cindy are graduates of the classes that were honored.

“It was a special evening, almost magical. There were former rivals there who hadn’t seen each other in years,” he said. Scot graduated from Rumford High School and Cindy from Mexico High School, both during the 1980s.

The main reception hall seats 175 people. Overflow can be accommodated in the adjacent room that is also available for business meetings and other smaller events.

The room has a special name — the Giovanni Room, named for Cindy’s father, Giovanni Gotto.

Besides the hall’s first wedding set for Saturday, another is set for later in the fall, and children and adult birthday parties have also been scheduled.

Once the hall gets going full-time, Cindy said she will employ about a dozen part-time people. So far, the couple has relied mainly on the work of family.

Scot is looking forward to the opening of the theater on the second floor. He is planning to host performance artists, such as musicians, jugglers, comedians and magicians, with a goal of producing a monthly or bi-monthly show. A bar has been built on the theater floor and the Mystic Theater may open in late autumn or early winter.

As the hall gets established, Scot and Cindy have other plans for the future, such as hosting weekly Italian feast nights, and a bridal show that would include fashions, hairstyling, musicians and other services needed for a wedding. Halloween and New Year’s parties have already been scheduled.

“I feel great. Most of the work has been done,” Scot said. “I can’t wait for the theater and pub to get going.”

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