Help Restore Historic Church: Honor Trinity College Founder

Union Baptist Church of Hartford, a cherished historical landmark that has stood proudly for 153 years, is facing a critical moment in its storied life. This church has been a pillar of strength, faith, and community for generations. But today, it needs your help to continue its legacy for many years to come.

Union Baptist had its humble beginnings in 1869 by families of Freed Slaves who migrated from Essex County, Virginia to Hartford, Connecticut. Union’s history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Bishop Thomas Church Brownell, the founder of Trinity College in Hartford. The church was originally constructed as Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in 1871, in memory of the Bishop, and later purchased by Union Baptist Church in 1925.

*The Challenges of Age and Weather*

For over a century, it has withstood the tests of time and weather. However, due to years of wear and weather damage, it now requires significant repairs to ensure its continued legacy. The CT State Historic Preservation Office provided financial support for the Church to conduct a “Conditions Assessment” in 2018, which now serves as a Blueprint for Restoration. The intrusion of water was identified as the greatest threat to the facility.

The “Conditions Assessment” revealed that the building has suffered from water infiltration through both the roof and basement, causing extensive damage to its structure. Corrosion, mold, rotting wood, and corroded lally columns had become major concerns. Standing water on the 5,000 square foot dirt basement floor had worsened the deterioration. (See Youtube Video of Legacy Phase 1 Repairs)

https://youtu.be/6HtU6iz6-go?feature=shared

One of the most significant events in the church’s history occurred during the hurricane of 1938 when the church’s iconic steeple was blown off, crashing through the roof and floor, eventually landing in the basement. The site of this destructive repair, where the steeple was once removed, remains a major point of water intrusion today. This damage, combined with years of neglect and harsh weather, has left the church in urgent need of extensive repairs.

*Roof Restoration and Unforeseen Costs*

In recent years, Union embarked on Legacy Phase 2, a major roof restoration project to address the ongoing water damage. While this project has been completed, it revealed additional, unforeseen issues that required immediate attention.

As a result, six (6) change orders were issued during the project, addressing critical problems that were discovered during construction, which included dismantling and rebuilding the leaning 25 foot chimney, which was at risk of collapse.

Our Sanctuary was closed and all activities were re-located to the auditorium for almost a year to address the emergency repairs.

These unexpected challenges added $161,000 to the cost of the restoration, pushing the total price beyond what was originally anticipated.

*A Rich History of Faith and Service*

Union Baptist Church is listed on the National Historic Registry for its Gothic Revival Architecture, as well as contributions during the early Civil Rights Movement, which included the founding of CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, after the Pastor, Rev. Jackson, was brutally attacked when he entered the”wrong” train-car while traveling South.

Union continued its mission of service, outreach, and spiritual support to all who walked through its doors. The membership cares for, and aids the most vulnerable. They remain an integral part of the community, providing such services as weekend Breakfast Ministry (36 years); Food Share / Food Pantry (30 years); Grief Support; Yearly HBCU College Tour (32 years);

Seniors Fitness Program; Food Backpacks for Women’s League DayCare; Food for Families of “Mothers Against Violence”; Health related presentations such as signs of Mental Health issues, and Skin Cancer Screenings for People of Color, through UCONN Health.

*Join Us in Preserving History*

The congregation has raised over $300,000 and is receiving a CT Historic Restoration Grant for $200,000. We are asking for your generous support, no matter how large or small, to help us pay off the remaining costs of this major restoration. We cannot do this alone, and your support is crucial.

With your help, we can ensure that this historic church will continue to be a place of worship, hope, and service for generations to come.

Thank you for your support!

Joann Price, Trustee /Legacy Chair;

Angela J Thomas, Legacy Co-Chair, Project Manager;

Gary Knighton, UBC Interim Pastor