The UPLIFT Building Grants Committee (Mary L., Rebekah Shore, and David R.) is happy to announce that Town Meeting last night (Wednesday, May 28) unanimously approved United Parish’s request for $800,000 in grant funds from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) program to support the steeple restoration program.
For a little context: the Town awarded $4.1 million in CPA grants in total — along with our award, it granted funds for badly needed roof and window replacements for two of the largest Brookline public housing family developments, for tombstone restoration at the Old Burial Ground and some open space projects. All the projects were approved in a single vote.
Along the way our proposal was closely reviewed by the Brookline Preservation Commission, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the Brookline CPA Committee and the Brookline Select Board — unanimous and enthusiastic endorsements at each step of the way.
When we began the application process last summer, we were encourage. to apply but also cautioned that our project would likely get far less than our requested $800,000. Thanks to the professional and tenacious diligence by our engineer Gale Associates, our proposal is sound — and comprehensively detailed — from an engineering and technical standpoint. That was essential, but it was clear through the process that United Parish’s role as a widely used community center was also a key positive factor in their decision to award our full request. All at our church — staff, congregation, and our building users — can take some credit for this recognition.
Gale Associates has attracted bids from four contractors with the specialized expertise we need. Bids are due June 5, and we’ll then have the chance to select the best proposal in a strongly competitive setting.
This project has also attracted a $250,000 grant award from the National Fund for Sacred Places. Remaining funds will come from church resources.
The work should begin this summer, and be completed in the spring of 2027. Along with the steeple work, we will return the carillon (aka tower bells) to operation, replace the stone stairway entrance beneath the tower to make that entrance functional once more, and improve accessibility with a non-sloped pathway to the ramp, running from Harvard Street beneath the tower, that significantly improves accessibility.
Our thanks to the UPLIFT Strategy Team and the Church Council for their scrutiny and support throughout the process. Please contact any of us if you have questions.
Mary L., Rebekah Shore, David R.