Restoration Work on Old Congregational
Church and Old Town Hall
The Old Congregational Church 10,500 pound steeple was removed and placed on the ground where its restoration was conducted over the next 2 years by volunteers.
Structural designs have been completed for the Old Town Hall after a structural analysis was done.
We're continuing to make progress... take a closer look
After a delay of 5 long years, the contract to paint the steeple spire was awarded to Bonnd Construction and Milton Rents provided a discount on the lift. After overcoming some challenges it was done! Recap is HERE
Our Projects...spring 2004-July 2025
On the Congregational Church building
The time has come and gone for the maintenance painting of the steeple spire. Thanks to COVID, that is! The laminated ball and the weather vane have held up rather well but they do need continued protection. We chose the painting of the church exterior in 2019, pushing this project to 2020, which has been on hold since. The ramifications of the pandemic response, supply chain, lower employee pool issues, two years without our fundraising events, and rising insurance costs for contractors have made this goal challenging!
We continued to work building the needed resources, then with the assistance of an award of ARPA funds by the Lunenburg Selectboard we met the goal! In June 2024 we were able to enter into a contract with Bonnd Construction to have the spire of the steeple painted, beginning Friday July 19th! Milton Rents of Gorham provided the needed 135' lift at a reduced non-profit rate. Repairs needed to be made to the spire panels, which was a whole additional project! The spire re-sheathing and painting were completed July 25th. (details HERE) Estimates are being sought for a tax credit award for the painting of the rest of the steeple during the 2026 exterior painting season.
Having a source of heat in the building would extend our usage by at least two months. We have had a local independent heating contractor meet with us to explore our options; they are still under consideration.
The protective plastic cover on the southwest stained glass window was blown off and slightly damaged. It has been repaired and has been covered ('Thank you' Carroll Macie, Ron Nason, and his lift) for protection. The protective plastic cover has been replaced ('Thank you' Carroll Macie, Alan Streeter, Henry Lingley and his Baker Staging).
On the Old Town Hall building
Unlimited Building LLC of Lunenburg (Derrick Williams and crew) completed the work in the basement, repositioning of existing and installation of new lally columns after clearing the damaged retaining wall and debris in the surrounding areas. The construction of the bulkhead stairway has been completed by volunteers.
A Vermont Preservation Trust of Vermont Technical Assistance Survey was completed by Jan Lewandoski. We sought contractors to review his recommendations and offer bids for the work; a few looked at it with one bid submitted. The structural engineer's plans are being evaluated by another engineer to verify they meet current code. We are looking for funding sources to support the stabilization work.
For a time the southern front windows have been covered for protection until needed repairs to the frames could be addressed. That work began in July 2025. On the west front window: one missing pane of glass as been replaced, one pane of glass has been removed and reset, some sections of the glazing (the putty that seals the edges of the glass) on the other two panes will be repaired soon. On the east front window: some structural repairs are needed, to be completed at a later date, but the window has been stabilized until then, the glazing needs some repairs which will be done soon.
On the Congregational Church building
The time has come and gone for the maintenance painting of the steeple spire. Thanks to COVID, that is! The laminated ball and the weather vane have held up rather well but they do need continued protection. We chose the painting of the church exterior in 2019, pushing this project to 2020, which has been on hold since. The ramifications of the pandemic response, supply chain, lower employee pool issues, two years without our fundraising events, and rising insurance costs for contractors have made this goal challenging!
We continued to work building the needed resources, then with the assistance of an award of ARPA funds by the Lunenburg Selectboard we met the goal! In June 2024 we were able to enter into a contract with Bonnd Construction to have the spire of the steeple painted, beginning Friday July 19th! Milton Rents of Gorham provided the needed 135' lift at a reduced non-profit rate. Repairs needed to be made to the spire panels, which was a whole additional project! The spire re-sheathing and painting were completed July 25th. (details HERE) Estimates are being sought for a tax credit award for the painting of the rest of the steeple during the 2026 exterior painting season.
Having a source of heat in the building would extend our usage by at least two months. We have had a local independent heating contractor meet with us to explore our options; they are still under consideration.
The protective plastic cover on the southwest stained glass window was blown off and slightly damaged. It has been repaired and has been covered ('Thank you' Carroll Macie, Ron Nason, and his lift) for protection. The protective plastic cover has been replaced ('Thank you' Carroll Macie, Alan Streeter, Henry Lingley and his Baker Staging).
On the Old Town Hall building
Unlimited Building LLC of Lunenburg (Derrick Williams and crew) completed the work in the basement, repositioning of existing and installation of new lally columns after clearing the damaged retaining wall and debris in the surrounding areas. The construction of the bulkhead stairway has been completed by volunteers.
A Vermont Preservation Trust of Vermont Technical Assistance Survey was completed by Jan Lewandoski. We sought contractors to review his recommendations and offer bids for the work; a few looked at it with one bid submitted. The structural engineer's plans are being evaluated by another engineer to verify they meet current code. We are looking for funding sources to support the stabilization work.
For a time the southern front windows have been covered for protection until needed repairs to the frames could be addressed. That work began in July 2025. On the west front window: one missing pane of glass as been replaced, one pane of glass has been removed and reset, some sections of the glazing (the putty that seals the edges of the glass) on the other two panes will be repaired soon. On the east front window: some structural repairs are needed, to be completed at a later date, but the window has been stabilized until then, the glazing needs some repairs which will be done soon.
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Would you consider looking into your employer giving platform and credit card non-profit donation options?
Many employers will match gifts to 501(c)(3) organizations (which we are!). We are registered with the corporate giving platform Benevity. Some area credit unions offer a match to donations made to non-profit organizations.
