Commission backs Saint Paul’s Community’s CPA application, citing building history and community services

The Newburyport Historical Commission voted Jan. 8 to approve a letter of support for Saint Paul’s Community Church’s application to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). A presenter described the church’s long history in Newburyport, recent preservation investments and a capital campaign to fund further restoration and accessibility improvements.

The presenter told commissioners Saint Paul’s began in 1711 and the current church building was completed in 1922, describing the building as a longstanding community resource that hosts meals, recovery groups, lectures and concerts. The representative listed recent investments including about $235,000 to restore the clock tower, $190,000 to replace a large slate roof, roughly $54,000 for chimney work and a $13,000 handicap ramp; the presenter said total recent investment exceeded $500,000 and the parish is launching a capital campaign with a $750,000 target.

For the current project the presenter asked for a CPC contribution of $200,000, including contingency, and said the core project cost with contingency would be a little over $400,000. "We are a community resource, and we're proud of that," the presenter said, noting the parish provides more than 400 hot meals weekly and hosts multiple community programs.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions about whether planned repairs would address water infiltration and other issues; the presenter said roof leaks have been remediated and a sump pump will address seepage in the elevator pit. After discussion, the commission approved a motion to write a letter recommending the project be considered for CPC funding.

Next steps: the commission’s letter will be sent to the CPC for its funding review and decision.