The Mattapoisett Friends Meeting House is in need of some TLC, and the local Quakers are hoping to get the word out to the community.

Build in 1827, the meeting house has had very few improvements done to the interior, said meeting house member Brad Hathaway.

Now, however, the horsehair plaster is starting to crack and chip away.

“We don’t know what kind of damage is done. There may be just cracks, but we fear that something has to be done to the plaster,” said Hathaway.

The building has been through its share of weather, surviving several hurricanes. And the friends want to make sure it remains in good shape for the next 186 years.

Quakers have been a presence in Old Rochester for centuries, said Hathaway. The first mention of them was in 1701, and the first record of any meetings was in 1702.

While there are documents saying there was once a meeting house in Marion, the only Quaker meeting house in the tri-town area now is the one in Mattapoisett.

The meeting house is used for weddings, both Quaker and non-Quaker, said Hathaway. And the hall behind the meeting house, built in 1991, has frequent meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous, a Zen group, and a meditation group. The Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Women’s Garden Club also use the space.

Hathaway said the community has been helpful in past fundraising campaigns, and he hopes they will support efforts to renovate the historic meeting house.

The Friends decided to hold their annual yard sale on two dates this year to raise more funds. Vendors can purchase inside table space for $20 and outside space for $10.

The Friends will have their own tables as well, which will include many items donated from a neighbor who moved. There are even a few antique pieces, said Hathaway.

Over the next few months, the friends plan to get estimates on the cost of repairs, but Hathaway expects the price will be steep. The small congregation will definitely need help, he said.

“For roughly a dozen people to raise this money, it’s going to be a chore,” said Hathaway.

The sales are planned for Aug. 17 and Oct. 12. The friends are accepting donations as well as vendors who want to set up booths. Sale hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon each day.

Setup for inside space is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Friday night before, and setup for inside and outside space begins at 7 a.m. the day of the sale.

The meeting house welcomes cash contributions in any amount to help fund this project. They may be sent to the meeting at P.O. Box 795, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Potential sale items for the meeting house’s tables (please no large items or electronics) can be vetted by calling Brad Hathaway at 508-758-3579 for pickup.

The meeting house is located on Route 6 (103 Marion Rd.)