Historic Church Restoration
Donation protected
Our church, founded in 1703, has had a history of continuous worship in Rochester, Massachusetts for over 300 years. The small campus includes our sanctuary building, originally built in 1837, and the vestry, which was first opened in 1839 as the "Rochester Academy".
As the years take their toll on these historic buildings, we are charged with preserving their architecture and their heritage in our close-knit, rural community.
Currently, we are undertaking a full restoration of the sanctuary tower. Designed and built by architect Solomon Eaton of Mattapoisett, our sanctuary was originally constructed at a cost of less than $5,000. That, however, was almost 200 years ago and today, its proud, square belfry and pointed spires are in need of care of preservation.
Just as we've gathered as a congregation over the years, our sanctuary building has been a place of respite, solace, and comfort in the community for almost two centuries. It is a neighborhood beacon whose bells we hope to ring for centuries more, but this simply can't be done without diligent care, stewardship, and repair of the wood and glass that make up its walls.
The first phase of our restoration process is to rebuild the lower portion of the bell tower, which we have already begun. The restoration cost for this phase is about $50,000. This phase is critical to ensure that the building is protected from the weather and structurally sound. As funds permit, we will replace the 4 corner parapets which are rotted and leaking. After completing this exterior work, we plan to move to the interior where the sanctuary ceiling needs repair due to water intrusion.
Any donation is greatly appreciated. We thank you in advance for your support in restoring our beautiful church!
As the years take their toll on these historic buildings, we are charged with preserving their architecture and their heritage in our close-knit, rural community.
Currently, we are undertaking a full restoration of the sanctuary tower. Designed and built by architect Solomon Eaton of Mattapoisett, our sanctuary was originally constructed at a cost of less than $5,000. That, however, was almost 200 years ago and today, its proud, square belfry and pointed spires are in need of care of preservation.
Just as we've gathered as a congregation over the years, our sanctuary building has been a place of respite, solace, and comfort in the community for almost two centuries. It is a neighborhood beacon whose bells we hope to ring for centuries more, but this simply can't be done without diligent care, stewardship, and repair of the wood and glass that make up its walls.
The first phase of our restoration process is to rebuild the lower portion of the bell tower, which we have already begun. The restoration cost for this phase is about $50,000. This phase is critical to ensure that the building is protected from the weather and structurally sound. As funds permit, we will replace the 4 corner parapets which are rotted and leaking. After completing this exterior work, we plan to move to the interior where the sanctuary ceiling needs repair due to water intrusion.
Any donation is greatly appreciated. We thank you in advance for your support in restoring our beautiful church!
Organizer
Kris Stoltenberg
Organizer
Rochester, MA
