First Universalist Church

Annual Report 2005–2006

Report from the Steeple Committee

Members: Ken Nye (Chair), David Breau, Chalmers Hardenburgh, Nan Hughes, Sarah Marshall, Lisa Perkins, Peter Raszmann, Jack Riordan, Barbara Trentacosta

Purpose: To find a remedy for the urgent needs of our deteriorating steeple.

Accomplishments for the Year

Condition Assessment: We coordinated the inspection of the steeple by steeplejacks and structural engineers to fully diagnose its condition, which is quite grave. The 40-foot columns that support the steeple, from the attic to the roof of the belfry, are rotting due to water leakage through the deteriorating belfry roof and crab, which support the spire.

Option Identification: We have identified several options, outlined below, for approaching this problem. The price tags range from $15,000 to $274,000. We plan to present these options to the congregation for their vote at the Annual Meeting:

1) Restore the steeple to conservation standards

2) Renovate the steeple with aluminum components in one of two ways:

a) An aluminum spire with a restored belfry

b) An aluminum spire and an aluminum-clad belfry

3) Remodel by removing steeple components long term in one of two ways:

a) Remove the spire and restore the belfry

b) Remove both the spire and the belfry

Plans/Goals for the Future

The plans and goals for the future of this committee will be defined based on the congregation's vote on June 4.

On one end of the spectrum of possibilities, if the vote is for Option 1, our plans/goals/challenges will immediately turn to coordinating contractors to begin restoration work and strategizing for the launch of a major fundraising campaign.

On the other end of the spectrum of possibilities, if the vote is for Option 3b, our goal will be simple: to immediately coordinate contractors to remove and dispose of the spire and belfry. No fundraising will be necessary, and our job will be all but finished.

Submitted by
Lisa Perkins, on behalf of the Steeple Committee