Congregation plans $4M historic church restoration focusing on structural integrity

The Historical Commission meeting held on June 18, 2025, in Fall River, Massachusetts, focused primarily on the ongoing restoration efforts of a significant local church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting began with a presentation by Bremerine Stinson and Abby McQueen, who are involved in the church's grant application process. They discussed the scope of work outlined in the application, which includes a comprehensive history of the church up to the year 2000.

The commission members were informed that the application period for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) opens in September, although submissions can be made at any time. The group emphasized the importance of ensuring that the latest version of the application form is used, as minor language changes had been made.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the architectural significance of the church, designed by architects who studied under H.H. Richardson, a key figure in the Romanesque revival movement in America. The restoration project aims to address structural issues, particularly water ingress, which has been a concern due to the age of the building.

The restoration work currently underway includes repointing the stonework and securing the structure, with scaffolding already in place. The project is being conducted in phases, focusing first on the ventilation towers and stairwell towers to ensure they are watertight. The total estimated cost for the restoration project is approximately $4 million, with $1.76 million allocated specifically for the tower work.

The commission highlighted the expertise of the architectural firms involved, including T2 Architecture and Structures North, which has a reputation for working on historical buildings. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the progress of the restoration and ensuring that the church's historical integrity is maintained throughout the process.