First Churches Historic Restoraton CPA Application 02-01-08
FIRST CHURCHES 2008 PRESERVATION CAMPAIGN:
Northampton Community Preservation Act Funds Application
Table of Contents:
Proposal Narrative
……………………………………………………………………….1
Project Budget and Professional Estimates
…………………………………………...11
Building Inspections and Construction Plans
………………………………………...12
Letters of Support
………………………………………………………………………13
Building Documents
…………………………………………………………………….14
501c(3) Letters
…………………………………………………………………………..15
Photographs
……………………………………………………………………………..16
FIRST CHURCHES 2008 PRESERVATION CAMPAIGN:
Northampton Community Preservation Act Funds Application
“Imagine downtown with a blighted, abandoned First Church. Imagine if the building would have to be
torn down. That should inspire people to sustain it.”
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
In the spring of 1988, the First Church of Christ in Northampton and the First Baptist Church of
Northampton joined together to become one church family, believing they could better serve the
community by combining resources. From that time forward, we have been known as “First Churches.”
In 1999 First Churches adopted an open and affirming statement that welcomes all people regardless of
race, disability, sexual orientation, or economic standing.
First Churches also acts as the proud stewards of the historic First Churches Meetinghouse, a beloved
public space that holds a prominent position in downtown Northampton. The Meetinghouse is a fully
accessible building, with wheel chair ramp, an elevator, and hearing aids available for services and
events.
In early New England history, one of the purposes of the Meetinghouse was “to discern the mind of the
town,” and that tradition continues today at First Churches. Along with being a worship space, our
sanctuary is used for community forums, public lectures and art & music events, including extravaganzas
such as The Langston Hughes musical “Black Nativity” (in conjunction with First Night Northampton); a
long history with the campaign against domestic violence; programs and celebrations for the Reverend
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (in conjunction with the American Friends Service Committee); and the
annual national academic conference on the Reverend Jonathan Edwards.
First Churches believes in the principle of the Good Samaritan--there is no other place in the community
where the doors are open to all, day in and day out. The diversity represented in any given week at First
Churches includes the full rainbow of our community. At least 35 organizations currently run programs
such as: the Homeless Resource Group; the Scottish Country Dancers; Yoga Classes; Prison Book
Project; Parents Without Partners; Al-Anon; Al-a-teen; Alcoholics Anonymous; Debtors Anonymous;
and Over Eaters Anonymous. In fact, for every one member of the First Churches congregation five
members of the public use the Meetinghouse space each and every week.
For 10 years, the Committee for Northampton (now the Sojourner Truth Statue Committee), an
organization dedicated to combating racism, held community fundraisers in our sanctuary. In June 2000
the Sojourner Truth Statue Committee presented First Churches with an award for helping them in their
mission. This award is displayed proudly next to our three Awards of Merit from the Northampton
Historic Commission, and our 2006 City Council Community Service Award.
In 2005 a new 501c(3) organization was created with the mission of insuring that the historic
Meetinghouse would always be protected against damage and deterioration. The Preservation
Endowment Fund for the Jonathan Edwards Meetinghouse now collects donations intended for the future
needs of the Meetinghouse. Jonathan Edwards, Inc. has joined with First Churches in our efforts to
restore the roof and ceiling of the sanctuary by opening a separate Capital Campaign bank account for
accepting gifts/funds designated to this campaign.
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
1
HISTORY
“This meetinghouse was built through the generosity and foresight of those that came before us. Now it is
our turn to preserve this incredible place for future generations. We all need to take responsibility.”
The unique character of New England is often represented by the image of fall foliage, clapboard houses,
and church steeples. New England churches are so important to our understanding of our local past that
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts spends about 20% of their preservation funds each year on
churches. Northampton is fortunate to have several spires gracing its skyline yet none have the strong
connections to the founding of the town, to America’s “first philosopher” Jonathan Edwards, or to the
current population as the First Churches Meetinghouse.
The idea of a central meeting location for the town of Northampton goes back to the first arrival of the
English settlers to the area. In 1654 on approximately the same location that the current Meetinghouse
still stands, they built the original as a place for community discourse and worship. Pastor Jonathan
Edwards, known as one of the greatest and most profound American theologian and revivalist, preached
in the Second Meetinghouse. Due to popular demand, during the period of the Great Awakening,
Edwards built the Third Meetinghouse. In 1737 this building was able to accommodate the ever
increasing number of people flocking to Northampton (in 1737). The “stepping stone,” a large rounded
flagstone that graces one entrance to the current building, is original to Jonathan Edwards’ third
meetinghouse.
The Fourth Meetinghouse, designed by Asher Benjamin, suffered a severe fire in 1876. L. Clark Seelye,
Smith College President and First Church Trustee, led the restoration, building the Fifth Meetinghouse,
our current building here on Meetinghouse Hill. The Fifth Meetinghouse, completed in 1878, has been
used for congregational worship and community gathering ever since. Our beautiful structure is regarded
as one of the finest examples of High Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture in America today. Helen
Searing, Professor Emeritus of Art and Architecture at Smith has written that
“First Church is one of the handsomest buildings in downtown Northampton. It enhances and
anchors Main Street with its soaring spire. Its rugged walls of quarry-faced brownstone speak of
integrity and strength. Inside, its presence is gentler; the colorful sanctuary, its curves a
surprise within the rectilinear envelope, welcomes the visitor with warmth and grace. In my
opinion, the interior of First Church constitutes the most breathtaking space in western
Massachusetts and merits strenuous efforts at restoration and preservation.”
When entering the sanctuary from Main Street, you are greeted by the many colors of light reflected in
the stained glass windows and the warm beauty of the cherry wood pews. On the left is the glorious
Louis Tiffany stained glass window called the “Stream of Life.” The organ, built by Ernest M. Skinner,
one of the leading organ builders in the United States, was presented to the congregation in 1936 at the
time of the congregation’s 275th Anniversary.
th
19 century builders who constructed the Meetinghouse used mainly materials indigenous to Western
Massachusetts, most notably the Longmeadow brownstone that gives it its distinctive color. The
Meetinghouse is listed in the US National Register of Historic Places and is an integral component of the
Northampton Downtown Historic District.
Although Northampton is no longer a town with a common, central religion, First Churches has worked
hard to uphold the original intent of those who built the Meetinghouse over a century ago. The
Meetinghouse historically acted as a building open to the use of all. In its heyday it hosted trials, Smith
College commencement ceremonies and town debates. First Churches has maintained this open door
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
2
policy by hosting book readings, cultural performances, community vigils, and making its space available
to regularly meeting community groups on a sliding fee scale.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
On Tuesday, March 13, 2007 a large section of plaster came crashing down from the ceiling of the
historic main hall of the First Churches Meetinghouse. After consulting with structural engineers and the
City Building Inspector, the Board of Trustees of First Churches came to the difficult decision that the
sanctuary would have to be closed. Unquestionably, First Churches provides vital and essential services
for our entire community, and we do this largely though providing space.That space has now been
severely compromised and must be restored. Although the current damage has affected only the
Sanctuary, other parts of the roof may be at risk. We consider this a project to save and secure the entire
Meetinghouse.
The falling plaster was evidence of larger structural issues and, after careful deliberation and consultation
with restoration contractors and other professionals, the cost to fully restore the Meetinghouse was
established at $2,000,000. Historic preservation restorations to be made include:
Repair of the slate roof
The existing slate roofs at the Sanctuary and Social Hall are 120 years old. Both roofs have
multiple areas where shingles and flashings have deteriorated to the point where weather and water
infiltration are causing damage to the interior building ceilings, walls and trim. A roof inspection
and report was undertaken by BPD Roof Consulting, Inc. in April 2007 and the recommendation
was to replace the roofs. Dormer windows and the Sidney Smithstained glass window above the
choir loft will also be repaired at this time.
Repair of the Sanctuary ceiling
The existing plaster ceilings and several areas of wall within the Sanctuary have been damaged by
water infiltration from the poor condition of the roof. It has reached a point where plaster has
fallen on the pews at several locations. For this reason, the Sanctuary has been closed to the public.
During this portion of restoration the cathedral ceilings will be insulated for the first time in the
building’s history.
Construction work is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008, with the exception of the stained glass
window and the organ pipes, which will be safeguarded and reinstalled after completion of the
construction. Our plan is to return to our central role in serving the people of the greater Northampton
area by completing restorations by fall of 2008.
CPA funds will go directly to the repair of the slate roof, which is one of the distinctive historic features
of the building as well as being the first step in stabilizing the building.
Our vision is to mobilize the communities of Northampton and Western Massachusetts in a capital
campaign to raise the $2 million we need to restore and secure the Meetinghouse. The process of
restoring our sanctuary and Meetinghouse will help us to further deepen our roots within the community
and emerge as a stronger, more public presence, able to continue what has been a proud history of
worship and community service.
PROJECT TIMETABLE
There are two main components to the Meetinghouse restoration project: Replacing the slate roof and
replacing the Sanctuary ceiling. Ceiling repairs have been scheduled to run concurrently with the roof
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
3
repairs in order to uncover any structural damage, which can then be attended to from inside and out.
Timetables for 2008 repairs are as follows:
Roof Replacement:
BPD Roof Consulting, Inc. was hired in October 2007 to provide design services, bidding and
construction supervision for installation of new roofs. The following is the current timetable that we have
developed together:
January:
Bid documents will be complete
February-March:
Bids received and contract negotiations take place
April:
Construction begins
July:
Roof construction complete
Sanctuary Ceiling Replacement:
Architects Inc. was hired in November 2007 to provide design services, construction documents, bidding
and construction supervision for the Sanctuary ceiling renovations. Of the options presented in their
report, the Church chose to remove the entire original plaster ceiling, insulate the rafters and install a new
gypsum wallboard ceiling with veneer finish.
January:
Bid documents will be complete
February:
Bids received and a contract negotiations take place
March:
Staging setup begins (estimated time = 1 month)
April:
Ceiling demolition begins
August:
Ceiling replacement complete
COMMUNITY NEED
“This building is and should be one of Northampton’s true community centers. It helps feed the hungry,
provides a magnificent venue for performances and nourishes peoples’ souls.”
Approximately 1,200 non-church members meet in the space each week. First Churches is also host to 30
weddings, 20 funeral services and roughly 15,000 tourists each year. Visitors are drawn to the
Meetinghouse from all over the country by the renown of both its aesthetic beauty and historic
significance. The large volume of people who make use of the Meetinghouse from day to day attests to
the fact that there is a strong need for this facility. Currently four groups and several annual events have
been displaced by the closing of the sanctuary; but if the building is not repaired, thousands will be
affected.
With the ability to hold 1,000 people (850 seated), no other facility in our community is as flexible, able,
and willing to quickly respond to large groups. This has been evidenced time and again over the course
of our nearly 300- year history. The most moving recent example is September 11, 2001 when our
sanctuary was filled to capacity with area residents who spontaneously gathered to mourn, vigil and
commune in the place that has traditionally been the heart and soul of Northampton. The loss of this
venue would cause many beloved annual events to move to other towns or to be cancelled altogether. It
would limit the options for the artists and performers who come to Northampton.
The Meetinghouse’s spire has been central in the skyline of Northampton for over 120 years, rising above
the horizon as you approach the downtown. The Meetinghouse is a symbol of the ideals upon which
Northampton, like so many New England villages, was founded. Yet it has also managed to maintain its
relevance as a vital part of the current community. Whether one has directly taken part in one of the
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
4
programs hosted in the First Churches Meetinghouse, found solace and support in times of pain within its
sanctuary, or merely sat on its front stoop and rested one’s feet, each and every resident of Northampton
will feel the loss if the Meetinghouse is not properly restored and able to reopen its doors.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We are lucky to have two prominent members of the local community, Tracy Kidder, author of
Hometown and Mountains Beyond Mountains, and Dr.Beverly Daniel-Tatum, Smith College alum and
current President of Spellman College, acting as honorary co-chairs of this Campaign.
Within just a few months of opening the Preservation Campaign we had already received pledges in the
amount of $450,000, or more than 20% of our total goal; United Bank had stepped up to support the
efforts; and an anonymous donor contributed $5,000 through the Community Foundation of Western
Massachusetts.
Before embarking on this campaign, First Churches hired The Financial Development Agency to
administer a feasibility study. The study uncovered broad support throughout the community. The
Meetinghouse is not just important to church members, but to all who use it or enjoy the unique character
of the downtown area as evidenced by the quotes used throughout this application. The following are
more words of support that came out of anonymous interviews done during our feasibility study:
“First Churches Meetinghouse is an icon of both the church and downtown Northampton, it the
community’s cathedral and one of our most significant buildings.”
“Saving the sanctuary is the springboard for the future. This can be a gift we give to our
children.”
“I think $2 million can be raised and I think that the church, because it is so open to the
community will be able to appeal to a very broad cross-section of our town.”
“First Churches is a rich resource in the Northampton community. It values accessibility,
openness, and affirmation and has a willingness to speak truth to power. It is the best of what it
means to be faith based and is a good example of the power of a small group."
“It's a tremendous resource for our arts community. They've opened their doors in such an
admirable fashion."
"First Church is one of the identifying features of the town."
"They are a huge resource for our community of social and religious conscience; a sober
epicenter of the community."
“This is a central facility with affordable meeting space; it's an important voice on issues of social
justice."
“We have to raise this money -- it's sink or swim. No one can know, 200, 300 years from now,
but we have an obligation to save our building for the future. We are stewards of this beautiful
building.”
Several groups who currently use the space have articulated the need to save the Meetinghouse. The
following represent a sample of the responses:
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
5
Northampton Family Dance (Meeting at First Churches for 11 years):
“First Churches generously and with open arms makes its space available to community groups for
meetings and events that might otherwise not find so hospitable a home in Northampton. By doing so,
First Churches extends its work beyond its congregation and into the larger community.”
Men’s Resource Center for Change (Meeting at First Churches for less than a year):
“The space we had been using for the last few years through the Council on Aging at Memorial Hall was
no longer available and First Churches had a space that we could afford to rent in downtown
Northampton.”
Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida (Meeting at First Churches for about 4 years)
First Churches provides a place to meet and gather for the community. If First Churches were not
available, we probably would have to meet at members houses or move to a nearby town.
Northampton Scottish Country Dancers (Meeting at First Churches for 18 years)
“Looking beyond the obvious spiritual aspects that the Churches provide, I love the fact that other events
have been able to use the space. ie: Concerts in the Sanctuary. It is great that space is provided for
community meetings to be held like AA. The affordable rental fee makes it possible for “non-profit”
group to be able to meet. It is a place for community to come together spiritually and/or socially. Our
lives in general are so busy that getting together in a community is very beneficial.”
APPLICABLE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT CRITERIA
The First Churches Preservation Campaign fulfills many of the criteria set forth by the Community
Preservation Committee Plan.
General Criteria:
Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community,
and enhances the quality of life for its residents
In recent decades the downtown of Northampton has experienced a much needed revitalization.
Buildings were saved from disintegration, a variety of businesses moved in, and Northampton became
known for its quaint New England appearance and cultural scene. Included in this effort was a complete
makeover of the park area in front of the Meetinghouse. This spot has been transformed into a place
where people can rest their feet or gather to just “hang out.” One community member described the value
of the “new front” by saying it “is wonderful and inviting. It's almost like a New Yorker cartoon, you a
have the diverse juxtaposition of all kinds of people hanging out, from grandparents to teens with
Mohawks and they're all getting along." The loss of a keystone Main Street structure such as First
Churches would be a setback to the progress that has been made in the beautification of downtown
Northampton.
Another aspect of Northampton that makes it so appealing to those who settle here is its strong network of
community and human service organizations. First Churches is host to a number of crucial support
groups and specialty programs. The loss of the Meetinghouse would cause a rupture in this structure of
support for the citizens of Northampton. Many groups would be left struggling to find a location as
convenient and affordable as First Churches.
The Sanctuary in particular is used often as a large performance space for concerts, dance, book readings,
and other productions. It is one of the few very large spaces available for use by the general public in
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
6
Northampton. Many annual events have already been forced to find other space, or cancel, because the
Sanctuary has been closed since spring of 2007.
Saves resources that would otherwise be threatened
The First Churches Meetinghouse is itself an historic resource. Without the funds to stabilize the
building, further damage will occur. Several other historical artifacts are housed within the Meetinghouse
such as the Skinner organ, Louis Tiffany stained glass window, and antique clock mechanisms.
The Meetinghouse provides the current community with accessible, affordable space for groups of all
nature to utilize. Holding meetings in the center of Northampton is essential to groups whose members
need to travel by public transportation or walk. Downtown rent is prohibitive to many small community
organizations with small budgets. Many of the groups who use the space admit that without the
Meetinghouse they would seek space in other communities. A representative of the Northampton Family
Dance group writes that “[Without First Churches] it would be very difficult for us to find a comparable
space for our event and it is possible our dance might not continue…It is very difficult to find a space that
is large enough for our dance, has a fine wooden floor, a piano available, is centrally located in
Northampton and easily accessible, and is made available to us at a rent that tour thinnest of shoestring
budgets can afford.” The groups that would be lost should the Meetinghouse have to close would include
many of the groups dealing with those in our society who are most in need.
Serves under-served populations
Many of the groups who use the Meetinghouse for their regular meetings work with under-served
populations. One community observer interviewed noted that “The 'have nots' also worship there.” Yet
our work with those in need radiates out into all corners of the community.
Some examples include:
The Iglesia Evangelica Bautista congregation, which provides services in two languages, Spanish
and Quechua.
The New Covenant Church, which serves a largely African American congregation.
The Homeless Resource Group
Men’s Resource Center for Change
Prison Book Project
Parents Without Partners
Al-Anon
Al-a-teen
Alcoholics Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous
Over Eaters Anonymous
Places high value on sustainable, ecologically responsible, energy-conserving structures, locations, and
materials; demonstrates that the project minimizes the ecological footprint
The restoration plan for the Meetinghouse includes the addition of insulation in the Sanctuary attic. This
small change, which does not affect the historical integrity of the building, will create a major reduction
of heating fuel usage. As an Environmentally Covenanted Church, First Churches will continue to look
for ways to improve the efficiency of the building and reduce our ecological footprint.
Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
7
th
On January 28, First Churches met with the Northampton Historical Commission to present our
restoration plan. Our plan met their standards for historically responsible construction and we have
received their unanimous support for this project.
First Churches is proud to have received many endorsements from the community and beyond. Currently
we have received letters of support from the following individuals (Attached are the full copies of their
letters):
1) Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Northampton Historical Commission
2) Penny Burke, Executive Director, Northampton Center for the Arts
3) Carol T. Christ, President, Smith College
4) William Corwin, President, Clarke School for the Deaf
5) Brandon E. Braxton, Vice President, United Bank
rd
6) Ellen Story, State Representative, 3 Hampshire District
7) Stan Rosenberg, State Senator, Hampshire and Franklin District
8) Merle Taylor, President, Jonathan Edwards Meetinghouse, Inc.
9) Helen P. Whitham, Moderator, First Churches
10) David Marks, CEO, Hampshire Regional YMCA
11) Rev. Eugene D. Honan, Pastor, Church of the Immaculate Conception (formerly of St. Mary’s,
Northampton)
12) Kent W. Faerber, President, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
13) Tracy Kidder, noted author
14) Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian, Senior Pastor, Haydenville Congregational Church
15) Karen Lavallee-Tente, Leader and Co-Teacher, Northampton Scottish Country Dance
16) William D. Grinnell, President, Webber & Grinnell
For more testimonials please see our above section on “Community Support.”
Leverages additional public and/or private funds
The support of our home community is vital for the success of our campaign as we continue to seek
financing from a variety of public and private sources. First Churches is requesting that the Community
Preservation Committee grant our campaign $250,000 to go to the historic slate roof repairs that must
begin immediately this spring.
The Preservation Campaign has gotten off to an incredible start with $450,000 already secured in the
form of individual pledges. We will continue to solicit funds from members of the wider community who
have expressed a desire to save the Meetinghouse. We currently have plans for at least two public
fundraisers. One will be held in the Calvin Theater, which has been donated to First Churches for that
purpose.
Also being crafted are two proposals for public funding from the Massachusetts Historic Commission.
The first will be to the Emergency Fund and the second to their Preservation Projects Fund. We hope to
raise at least another $100,000 from these state sources. Initial feedback from the Massachusetts
Historical Commission has been positive but the endorsement of the Northampton Community
Preservation Committee in the form of funds will greatly benefit all these future applications.
Finally, we are amassing a list of private foundations to which to apply for funds. We currently have one
proposal pending with the Community Fund of Western Massachusetts. Future prospects also include
(but are not limited to):
The Frank Beveridge Foundation
The Fuller Foundation
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
8
Bank of America Anchor Institutions
The Xeric Foundation
High Meadow Foundation
Connemara Foundation
Demonstrates that other funding sources are not readily available or sufficient
The importance of this building is undeniable and yet $2 million in such a short period of time will be a
great challenge, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty. First Churches will be depending
heavily on the support of the local community, including those organizations and individuals who
personally benefit from the Meetinghouse.
A lead gift from the CPA, currently the only source of City funding that is available to us, is needed to
make this campaign a success.
Our hope is that in the future the Endowment Fund for the Preservation of the Jonathan Edwards
Meetinghouse will provide crucial support at times of need such as we are encountering now. Because it
was only conceived recently, Jonathan Edwards, Inc. simply does not have the funds to finance this
project on its own.
Demonstrates a high benefit/cost value
By investing in the First Churches Preservation Campaign the City of Northampton will see a positive
return on this investment. Tourists from all over come to see the First Churches Meetinghouse, bringing
outside business to the area. Large events held in the Meetinghouse draw crowds downtown and
contribute to the vitality of the area. The many groups that meet within the Meetinghouse support 1,200
local residents each week, providing services that keep them safe and healthy. Keeping the Meetinghouse
from deteriorating is also important to the ongoing efforts of beautification and revitalization of
Northampton.
Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget
First Churches is committed to beginning construction at the earliest possible time so that no more
damage occurs to the Meetinghouse. Our construction plan has been arranged in such a way that the
inner and outer repairs will begin at the same time so that other structural problems will be found before
any stage of the repairs have been completed and will be completely accessible for repairs at that time.
This will also allow for the sets of scaffolding to be erected at the same time, saving money and time.
Historic Preservation Criteria
:
Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate properties, features or resources of historical
significance
The Meetinghouse is a structure of national significance that is currently in need of major restoration.
Our only mission with this project is to repair, protect, and restore this building in a historically
responsible way in order to re-open the Sanctuary for use.
Include a focus on the historical function of a property or site
A primary tenet of the Department of the Interior’s standards for Preserving Historic Structures is that
buildings continue to be used in the manner for which it was originally built. Since the original structure
was built in 1654, the Meetinghouse has been used for worship and community gathering. These two
functions remain the primary focus of First Churches.
Is within or eligible for a local, State or National Historic Register
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
9
First Churches Meetinghouse is an integral feature of the Downtown Northampton Historic District on the
National Historic Register.
Demonstrate the ability to provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic resource
Thanks in large part to our community partner, Jonathan Edwards, Inc. we believe that we will continue
to have the funds to maintain the Meetinghouse in a responsible way for years to come. The Preservation
Endowment Fund will provide an annual sum from the interest on the Endowment Fund to be used for the
upkeep and preservation of the building.
Include the granting of a permanent historic preservation restriction on the entire parcel to the City
th
On January 20, the congregation of First Churches voted unanimously in favor of placing a deed
restriction on the Meetinghouse. All members of the community recognize that this structure is important
on a local and national scale and that, though their organization currently acts as the stewards of the
property, the Meetinghouse really is meant to be used and appreciated by all. We are currently having an
attorney’s letter drafted to attest to the fact the First Churches is able to enter into and uphold such an
agreement.
EVALUATION
We will consider this campaign a success when we have raised enough money to secure the stability of
the Sanctuary and to preserve this beautiful architectural artifact well into the future. Overall, this project
will only be a completely success if funds are obtained to repair and preserve the Meetinghouse without
depleting the operating funds of First Churches or compromising the historic integrity of the building. In
order to safeguard against further collapse, construction on the roof has to begin when the weather clears
this spring. We would like to be able to reopen the Meetinghouse to the public by the fall of 2008.
Looking forward, we will also include in our evaluation the lasting effect the restoration efforts will have
on the building and community. We want to see these repairs done in such a way that the roof of First
Churches lasts at least another century. We would also like to see more people take advantage of this
historic space. When more people than ever are making use of this unique and wonderful space, the First
Churches Preservation Campaign will have achieved its goal.
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
First Churches recognizes that measures have to be taken to insure that the Meetinghouse
remains well maintained and preserved in future years. Three important changes in procedure
have been made with sustainability in mind:
1. The annual organizational budget of First Churches will be adjusted to include more
regular structural inspections so that major breaches will not again occur.
2. Jonathan Edwards, Inc. willcontinue to provide an annual sum from the interest gathered
on the new endowment fund to help pay for necessary preservation and maintenance.
3. A deed restriction will be placed on the property to provide future protection for the
Meetinghouse no matter who holds the deed.
First Churches is always seeking further ways for keeping this building safe and open to all who
wish to make use of its space.
First Churches Preservation Campaign: 2008 CPA Application
10
FIRST CHURCHES BUILDING RESTORATION PLAN
ROOF Sanctuary $487,498
Remove existing slate roof and replace with new Lyman Hall 161,600
slate in keeping with the historical integrity of Parlor 98,290
the building. Offices 21,000
$768,403
DORMER WINDOWS RESTORATION $80,000
8 windows - stained glass and woodwork
SANCTUARY CEILINGS $576, 515
Remove all plaster on central and two side
ceilings; insulate the attic with foam to prevent
warm/cold fluctuations with ice dam buildups
on edges of the roof. Put up drywall (sheetrock).
Includes staging.
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS $30,000
Silas Smith window and two side windows.
Restoration by complete removal and
releading. (Cost of staging not included.)
ORGAN PIPES $51,300
Dismantling & Storage $21,300
Cleaning & Reassembling $30,000
Includes cost of staging.
ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING SERVICES
ROOF
Inspection report $7,253.06
Structural engineer report $1,000.00
Design drawings & site inspection $48,185.00
SANCTUARY CEILING
Site investigations & estimating $4,050.00
Asbestos survey $575.00
Design drawings $34,594.00
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES $6,400.00
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND COSTS $150,000.00
Counsel/coordinator/grant writer/feasibility study ____________
Sub Total $1,758,275.00
__
CONTINGENCY (20%)200,000.00
TOTAL COST $1,958,275.00