The
deteriorated condition of the wooden cupola columns and the faded gilding of
the magnificent dome and weathervane have become more and more visible in
recent years even to passersby looking up from the street.
“The architectural woodwork of the cupola is in a severe
state of deterioration and decay,” said Reverend Sheldon Bennett, who has been
the minister for 25 years.
“After years of planning and grant applications, we are very excited
that the restoration work is now underway.” Erection of scaffolding began in late-July and restoration work is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.
Planning to restore the bell tower began four years ago,
with initial design consulting by Gary Tondorf-Dick of Hingham. An on-site examination of the bell
tower condition was made in February 2010, using a large crane to lift
restoration specialists to the top of the tower and weathervane. Andrea Gilmore of Building Conservation
Associates in Dedham and Arthur MacLeod, structural engineer, of Belmont
completed design work earlier this spring.
Total expected costs for the current bell tower restoration
project are $600,000, including the restoration and construction consultants,
project management, restoration contractor, and a contingency for unexpected
restoration costs. The contractor
for the restoration work is Campbell Construction Group, LLC, of Peabody.
The bell tower restoration project is being supported in
part by grants from three different sources: (1) The citizens of Quincy through the City of Quincy
Community Preservation Committee; (2) A “Save America’s Treasures” grant administered by the National Park
Service, Department of the Interior; (3) The American Express “Partners in
Preservation” program, a partnership of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation and the American Express Foundation.
The Partners in Preservation Grant was earned through an
on-line public voting campaign in April and May of 2009 throughout the Greater
Boston area.
Altogether, grants
received by United First Parish Church for this project total $300,000; the
congregation is funding the additional remaining $300,000 in expected costs.
