Funds Being Raised to Restore First Congregational Church in Woburn

WOBURN, MA — Woburn's skyline may not be as famous as New York City's, but the First Congregational Church is inarguably the skyline's most prominent feature.

However, the church is beginning to show its age, and residents are banning together to raise funds for the restoration of the iconic building. A gofundme crowdfunding campaign has been started by Joyce Greene LeBlanc in order to raise funds to restore the church.

The church has been a member of the national registry of historical places since 1992, and in honor of the congregation's 375th anniversary, the hope is that the church will be restored to its original glory.

"The damages to the church have haunted our town for years," the page reads."Blue tarps have draped its steeple and front entrance walls, covering the visual damage and to prevent debris from falling onto the town center below. Sadly, the church has not been in great shape for a long, long time."

Built in 1860, the church has been damaged by two recent hurricanes. According to the gofundme, the church steeple was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Irene in 2011. The campaign organizers say the church has been deteriorating for years, but say structural damage to the steeple could force the congregation to look for another place of worship.

"The steeple itself is leaning, and is in danger of being condemned without proper repairs," reads the page."If this happens, the congregation will no longer be allowed to use this wonderful house of worship"

The church has become a staple of city life, recently hosting the city's 375th anniversary celebration which featured Sen. Ed Markey. The campagin's organizers hope to raise $250,000, and donors who contribute over $30 will be given a wooden piece depicting the church "in all it's glory".

To donate to the gofundme page, click here.

"In hopes to restore the church back to its original glory, any donation amount is greatly appreciated," the message on the page concluded. "From a single dollar to a hundred, every one counts."

Image via Joe Lipovich, Patch Staff