Here’s the work we’ve done thus far:
In June of 1995, the building earned the dubious distinction of being nominated and named on The Massachusetts’ Most Endangered Historic Resources list. Often the list serves as a catalyst for action and opportunities to preserve historic places with awareness of their importance to the surrounding community.
A former community and church member, Gary Morrison stepped up and began an enthusiastic effort to raise awareness about the need to save and rehabilitate the Methodist Church building. In this initial stage, the project gained the interest, support, and expertise of local, state and national organizations. By the end of the year, the project to restore the building began in earnest.
The first phase was to commission preservation consultants Binder Boland and Associates to thoroughly investigate the structure and deliver a Historic Structure Report outlining the building’s emergency issues and long term restoration needs. From this comprehensive report, the board of directors determined the first project was to shore up a substantial section of the foundation that had been improperly undermined by a basement addition in the mid-twentieth century.
Subsequent projects (detailed below) included replacing the column supports, removing the brick structures that, without footings, had sunk in the ground and caused substantial shifting of the columns and roof; engineered and built a complete internal roof structure under inadequately designed 1840’s renovation gable roof, rebuilt the columns and piers, restored the rotting exterior wood trim, and restored the windows. And re-shingle three elevations of the church.
Once the first phase of restoration (detailed below) was completed and the building structure and foundation had been secured, we started our second phase of restoration. We commissioned the services of preservation architect, Jeff Baker, of Mesick, Cohen, Wilson and Baker, for a comprehensive long range plan for the interior phase. After Jeff Baker’s archeological probe of the building, he put together a 72 page booklet, The Master Plan, (will be published soon) entailing historical opinions on the origin of the building along with engineering and architectural evaluations and aesthetic advice, while addressing long and short term project goals.
From his recommendations we went on to installation of a state-of-the-art fire suppression system and detection system which encompasses a new water service hook-up, a fire pump, and fire alarm panels, main sprinkler control valves covering the whole basement, the foyer, the main sanctuary, the double attic, and the hundred-year-old second floor mezzanine/performance center.
Also, upon his suggestion, we upgraded the electrical and lighting system, re-plastered and repainted the interior walls and ceiling in the main sanctuary and installed asphalt roof shingles.
Repaint, and refurbish 110 pews in the main sanctuary and refurbish the hymnal holders.
Completely restore the 1831 Appleton Pipe Organ (one of five known organs by that maker in use today) and establish a long-term organ maintenance fund.
Replace the ground level office windows on Rose Lane
Build and install a custom mahogany rail door with automatic handicap door opener for the back ramp entrance to the building.
And most recently, we repaired, restored and re-painted the façade, the six columns and entablature complete with gold leafing of the numbers 1823 representing the age of the building.
Attached is a completion report draft of prior conditions with pictures showing work done to shore up the foundation. Click here to download the PDF file.