Restoration Projects

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 has been awarded to Bonnd Construction. The lift arrived 

 from Milton Rents, work began on July 19th. Up-to-date information is HERE

 Our Current Projects...spring of 2024-2025

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 prepared for the painting of the rest of the steeple during the 2025 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 when safe access is possible for our volunteers, it will be reinstalled. The window has been covered for protection until then ("Thank you" to Carroll Macie, Ron Nason, and his lift).

    
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 local contractor has shown an interest in looking at the structural engineer's plans to address the structural deficiencies of the building, which we have provided.
       The southern front windows have been covered for protection as needed repairs to the frames are addressed.
       A Vermont Preservation Trust of Vermont Technical Assistance Survey was completed by Jan Lewandoski. We are seeking contractors to review his recommendations and offer bids for the work.

A donation of time is SO valuable and greatly appreciated. Please contact us through the options below (email or phone) that work best for you. There are opportunities that can fit your preferences.
A monetary donation in any amount is greatly appreciated! For your convenience, a donation button is provided below and in the "contact us" section on each page of this website as well as a mailing address for checks or money orders. You also may contact any member to make a donation. Donations earmarked for a specific project will be sequestered for its use.
Would you consider looking into your employer giving platform? Many employers will match gifts to 501(c)(3) organizations (which we are!). We are registered with the corporate giving platform Benevity.
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