Campaign
Capital Campaign Update
April 2, 2009
First Churches is in the midst of an ambitious capital campaign, “Preserving Northampton’s Meetinghouse for the Valley,” to restore its historic sanctuary.
We are delighted to report that the Sanctuary was re-opened and re-dedicated on November 23, 2008, which was 120 years since the building was last rededicated on November 24, 1888. We welcome everyone to come and see the beautifully restored sanctuary.
The $2 million restoration project included replacing the slate roof across the entire building, repairing the plaster ceiling over the sanctuary and restoring three stained-glass windows, replacing and repainting the walls, and having an artist hand-stencil the two ornate bands that go around the sanctuary in the original colors from 1888. (see the Building Restoration Plan). Workers also addressed any structural problems they discovered, and the building was insulated to make it more energy-efficient.
Funding for this project has been sought from within the congregation, from special grants and from the Pioneer Valley community-at-large. To date, almost $1,500,000 has already been pledged. In addition to the substantial support we have received from the congregation and the members of the community, we are pleased to say that we have received the following grants:
• Northampton Community Preservation Fund, $250,000
• Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Projects Emergency Fund, $70,000
• The Joan Walker Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, $25,000
• The Xeric Foundation, $5,000.
While the building has been reopened, we still need to raise $500,000 to repay the loan that was used to complete the restoration. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Why Did the Building Need to be Restored?
First Churches closed its sanctuary in March 2007 after a large chunk of the plaster ceiling fell 35 feet into a row of pews. Luckily, no one was in the sanctuary at the time. After consulting with structural engineers and the City Building Inspector it was determined that the sanctuary would have to be closed. The falling plaster was evidence of larger structural issues and the cost to fully restore the Meetinghouse was established at $2,000,000. While the sanctuary was closed, events like weddings, funerals and community meetings were diverted to other churches and worship services were moved to Lyman Hall. Construction began in April 2008, and the sanctuary was joyfully reopened and rededicated on November, 23 2008.
Who Benefits from the Building?
The First Churches Meetinghouse is home to multiple human service groups and other community organizations that provide critical outreach and support to our most vulnerable citizens. The Meetinghouse serves over 1,200 people per week and offers important downtown meeting space for civic gatherings large and small.
First Churches has been an integral part of the religious, historical, architectural, and social fabric of downtown Northampton and our entire community since this City’s founding over 350 years ago. For many years, First Churches was the largest and the tallest structure in all of Western Mass.
Please donate to the capital campaign to Preserve Northampton’s Meetinghouse for the Valley. Your generous support will ensure that the Meetinghouse remains a vital fixture both as an architectural gem in our downtown skyline and one of the lifeblood institutions of our rich civic life.