Braintree Church Fundraises for Repairs to Landmark Steeple

The landmark steeple of South Congregational Church is in need of funds for long-needed permanent repairs, and so the church is embarking on a "Save the Steeple" $50,000 fundraising campaign to make much-needed repairs to preserve the Braintree landmark.  

The church is asking its parishioners as well as Braintree residents, local businesses and anyone else with a strong desire to preserve a piece of local history to donate to "Save the Steeple."

"Whether you're looking at old personal photos, historical town records, even local business advertisements and logos, our steeple is an icon and landmark for the town," Pastor Scott Killian said in a statement. "We are hoping to tap into residents' appreciation of history to help us raise the money needed."

The steeple has been damaged in recent years by strong winds and rain from severe storms, including Hurricane Irene in 2011. 

"We've made incremental repairs over the years, but in order to ensure the steeple's longevity, permanent repairs are needed," Killian said.

The previous steeple was constructed in 1861 and stood for 115 years until hurricane damage and exposure caused it to be taken down in 1976. Because of its significant presence in Braintree, residents and businesses came together and rebuilt the steeple in 1977.  Due to the overwhelming cooperation and generosity of the people in Braintree, the steeple was dubbed, the “People’s Steeple."

The work currently needed will preserve the steeple without the need of a full rebuild.  Upon completion, the steeple should become relatively maintenance free and water-tight for many more years to come.

"We'll be approaching local businesses and institutions to help us reach our goal. We also felt a broader appeal through the media would help to raise greater awareness as well with residents and passers-by who are familiar with the church's steeple but don't know much about it," said Killian, who joined as pastor in 2000, and is also a Braintree High School class of 1988 graduate.

Preserving the steeple will also help to ensure a much-needed source of revenue  for the church. It collects rent from a cell phone company that uses the steeple as a relay tower for mobile phone service.

"We are a vibrant, growing congregation which reaches out in love and caring to our community and beyond," Killian said. "Our missions, adult education, and Sunday School classes have never been bigger or more active – and we hope to be able to leave a beautiful, structurally-sound steeple as a permanent landmark for future generations of parishioners and Braintree residents."

South Congregational Church can accept donations directly and should be mailed to 1075 Washington Street, Braintree MA, 02184. Donors should note on their checks that the donation is specifically for the "Save the Steeple" campaign.

For more information about the fundraising campaign, contact Pastor Killian at 781-843-5155 or sdkmail@verizon.net.