Historical commission backs Fall River Congregational Church’s CPC grant request for tower stabilization

The Fall River Historical Commission voted Tuesday to provide a letter of support for a Community Preservation Act (CPC) grant application from the Fall River Congregational Church, which is seeking funds for masonry repointing, structural repairs and tower stabilization.

Bremerine Stinson, of the Fall River Congregational Church, and Abby McQueen, assisting with the grant, described scaffolding already in place and work focused on stopping water ingress and stabilizing the church tower. “We’re at about a 115, and so we’re it's time to, to address the both structurally and, and the repointing of the tower,” a representative told the commission during the presentation.

Project estimates in the materials the congregation provided included a $1,759,400 figure described as the tower portion; the presenters said the total project estimate quoted in August 2024 is approximately $4,000,000. The church said it has spent about $600,000 on work to date and plans to seek multiple grants; one grant the church has applied for requires a 50% match, and the church said it hopes to use CPC funds toward that match.

Commissioners asked about timeline, materials, and contractor qualifications. Presenters named T2 Architecture as the consultant preparing drawings and noted Structures North (an architect experienced in historic stabilization) is advising on the work. The commission also discussed standards: staff reminded applicants that CPC-funded projects must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and that qualified craftspeople are being used.

During discussion the church indicated it anticipates a phased project that will likely take longer than a year and that the congregation will pursue multiple funding sources. When asked about the CPC request amount, the presenters said the congregation was estimating “approximately $2.50 k” in the meeting transcript; commissioners and presenters discussed that the final CPC request amount would be determined before submission and that CPC requires match rules for certain grants.

A motion by Ashley DeCunha, seconded by Connie Soule, to provide a letter of support for the CPC application passed on a roll-call vote; all members present voted yes. Commissioners said the letter of support would help the church with grant applications and recommended the congregation be prepared to answer detailed CPC questions about budgets, match sources, and project phasing when appearing before CPC.