Steeple Campaign Seeks Support From Town Residents, Businesses

The following was provided by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield:

You may have walked by and seen the recent painting of the exterior, parked in front of it while going across the street to the Library, or even attended one of the many concerts held there. The historic Unitarian Universalist building has been a mainstay of the Wakefield landscape and skyline since 1859.  The original Greek revival meetinghouse was built in 1839.  But the spire had to be removed a few years ago for safety reasons and the tower and belfry structures have deteriorated.    At a recent Public Forum there were votes of confidence and support from town officials that Wakefield neighbors and friends would help the church close the gap between steeple removal and steeple restoration. 

Significant funds have been raised from within the congregation, enough to initiate repair and painting of the exterior, which is now being completed.  And enough money has been donated by the church members to allow complete removal of the compromised steeple structures (tower and belfry) to the roofline. However, the church does not have money for the two other options: a partial or a full reconstruction of the tower, belfry and spire.   

The three roofline options were formulated and costs estimated through an extensive engineering analysis by Boston restoration architects, Menders, Torrey & Spencer. Drawings of all three roofline solutions can be seen on the church website at www.wakefielduu.org.

The church now needs the financial help of residents and businesses of Wakefield.  We hope that together the Wakefield community can preserve the steeple which has graced our Wakefield skyline since 1859. 

Please check the church’s website at www.wakefielduu.org or pick up a Preserving Our Heritage (capital campaign) brochure, either at the Beebe Library or next to the “326 Main Street Steeple Options” sign, soon to be erected in front of the church at 326 Main Street.

Donations may be made either on line at www.wakefielduu.org/ or sent to UU Church of Wakefield, PO Box 529 Wakefield MA 01880.  Please make checks payable to Wakefield UU Church Capital Campaign.  If you have any questions, or to have a Preserving Our Heritage brochure sent, please call 781-245-4632.