The Save the Belfry project has been divided into several phases, each with its own fundraising goal. The figures given are estimates based on projects of similar size and scope.  We anticipate some cost-saving on these estimates by hiring local timber framers and other local sub-contractors.

Phase 1: Remove dome, bell and belfry, cover tower with a temporary roof.  $77,451

               Phase 1 was completed in May 2019 at an actual cost of about $68,000.

Phase 2: Repair belfry and dome. $137,025

               Phase 2 started April 2021.

Phase 3: Repair tower frame and tower roof.  $128,425

Phase 4: Reinstall bell, belfry and dome. $68,325

Phase 5: Restore exterior (Scrape, prime and paint building; grading and landscaping).  $95,500

Phase 6: Undercarriage (Replace unsound floor joists). $21,175

If you are interested in the Conditions Assessment and Repair Recommendations, which includes a breakdown of work for each phase, contact us at savethebelfry@gmail.com.  We will email you a copy of Preservation Timber Framing’s report.

As repairs are made during each phase, the original 1828 framing and construction will be retained as much as possible.

Our Progress:

April 2022

We’ve made a video that summarizes our progress from 2019 to early 2022:

 

Phase 2 December 2021/January 2022

Before it got too cold and snowy, Ed Somers and Chris Bannon took the remains of the belfry down. Ed will spend the winter taking the dome roof apart, to use the 1829 rafters as templates to make exact replicas.  All of the original wood in good condition will be saved. We hope to use it to create a piece of furniture that will remain in the church for another 200 years.

 

Phase 2 April 2021

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Due to the 2020/2021 pandemic, there wasn’t much visible Save the Belfry activity, but we continue fundraising and applying for grants.  We received some very generous donations and anticipate receiving a grant in late spring.  These efforts will allow us to complete the next phase, which is rebuilding the dome and sheathing the roof in copper, which will return the dome to its original appearance. 

To restore the dome, the original 1828 arched timbers will be removed and used as templates to cut new timbers to replace the damaged ones.  There are a lot of bits and pieces to replace.  In April, timber framer Ed Somers started dismantling the dome.  He will make replacement pieces and then will rebuild the it.  Once the dome structure is solid again, copper sheeting will replace the shingles on the roof.   The copper is by far the most expensive portion of this phase and we are debating waiting until the belfry is ready to fly back up to the tower before installing it.   Many thanks to all who have donated.  We will get there.

Phase 1 Completed

On May 16, 2019, the weather cooperated and the belfry was removed. It was amazing to watch the skill of the Preservation Timber Framing workers and the crane operator from Bancroft Contracting.

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