Sayville’s Historic Bell Tower Gets Restoration Funding

SAYVILLE, NY — People's Arc of Suffolk has donated $1,000 to help restore the historic bell tower at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Sayville.

The contribution will support efforts to preserve one of the community's landmarks and ensure that the bell tower remains standing for future generations, the organization said. The stone church and its bell tower were built in 1887.

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"It's something that we're known by. We're the little stone church with the belltower," said the Rev. Susan Ellinghaus, a deacon at St. Ann's Episcopal Church. "It peals out every hour, with a beautiful sound. And we want it to last another 200 years."

The donation came from proceeds raised during People's Arc of Suffolk's annual Shark Tank Showdown fundraiser, held in March at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.

"The fact that we can give some of that money back for something as important as a historical belltower in our town, that makes our heart sing. Like a belltower!" said Heather Thorgersen, chief program officer at People's Arc of Suffolk.

People's Arc and St. Ann's have worked together during the past year on community programs that promote independence, inclusion and service for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Program participants assist with the church's soup kitchen and food pantry by shopping for and delivering groceries to families in need. Through the work, participants also develop budgeting and independent-living skills.

They have also contributed to the church's thrift shop and other volunteer initiatives.

The donation reflects People's Arc of Suffolk's commitment to supporting the communities where its program participants live, learn, work and volunteer, representatives said.

People's Arc of Suffolk provides employment opportunities, educational programs and community engagement initiatives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.