Green Light - Phase 5 Receives Funding!

It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed since the June 2019 launch of our Set in Stone Capital Campaign to repair external masonry. Since that time, we have completed four full phases of repairs, beginning in the front of the building and working our way clockwise, tackling the highest priority repair areas.

We were thrilled this summer to be awarded another $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) and $75,000 from the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation to embark on Phase 5 repairs. These are our 4th and 5th grants, respectively, from these highly competitive programs. This Phase focuses on the south wall of our bell tower -  the final side of that tower to be tackled.

The Phase 5 program will follow a now-familiar timeline: kick-off site visits from MHC and architectural engineers this summer, call for bids on the proposed work and awarding of the contract this fall, and work likely starting in early spring 2027 after the winter months. South tower wall…here we come!

Next Up -Phase 5!

Since its inception in 2018, our Set in Stone capital campaign has alternated fundraising years with masonry work years. It’s an even-numbered year, and that makes it a grant application year for our dogged pursuit of sufficient money to repair our beautiful historic landmark building. Today we submitted the 2-inch bound application shown below to the Mass Historical Commission for a Round 32 Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grant.

We’re requesting $50,000 to be matched by the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation to continue Set in Stone Phase 5 repairs. Phase 5 will focus on the last (south-facing) wall of our bell tower awaiting repair. While we have been fortunate enough to receive three prior MPPF grants, the program is very competitive and funding grants are not guaranteed. The application also asked for letters of community support. We were most grateful to obtain letters from the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, the Community Action Committee, Toy Town AA, the Winchendon Courier and the Winchendon Historic Commission. We thank all of these folks for their kind words.We patiently wait until the state announces its grant awards this June.

Phase 4 Closes Out With Fully Repaired West Wall

And it’s a wrap! Joseph Gnazzo Company Inc. did a fabulous job, finishing ahead of time and on budget. We were all heartened to discover that the two west buttresses did not need dismantling and rebuilding. Gnazzo was able to deep cut and grout each of them in place. However, the stones around the top left wall crack needed to be rebuilt, with exterior stones numbered and removed to access and reinforce the inner wall. Like a 3D puzzle, each stone was carefully returned to its rightful place.

Just ten weeks from the start, we have a completely cut and freshly grouted west wall stretching from the steeple soffit almost to the ground. For cleanup, Gnazzo swept up 12 buckets of sand that had been washed out of the joints and inner walls. The scaffolding came down in just 2 days’ time.

This Phase 4 cost $130,000 with every penny well spent. Phase 4 closes out with a voluminous Completion Report going to the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Site Inspections Give "Thumbs Up”

The masons have been hard at work and were paid a visit today by Martin Anderson, Project Manager for Joseph Gnazzo, and Jillian Borghardt of Structures North Consulting Engineers. The workers have been chiseling out dried, crumbling mortar and pressure-washing all of the joints. We were all heartened to find that some intact mortar remained; there were no places where the mortar had disintegrated all the way through to the interior. Nonetheless there is a significant amount of new pointing required.
The masons prepared several color samples of the mortar to be used, and will await for them to set and dry in order to select the sample that best matches that used in other parts of the building.

A Chilly Kick-Off for Phase 4

After a full week of assembly, the bell tower scaffolding is up and ready to climb! Joseph Gnazzo persisted through through rain, dreary days and gusting winds to erect this impressive multi-story structure for their work on the west face. The ground level has a plywood “room”built around the base for security and safety, and is padlocked after working hours. The green scrim above serves as a wind breaker and sun shield. Work is ready to commence.

Contract Awarded for Phase 4

UUCW received bids from two masonry firms for our proposed Phase 4 repairs. After consultation with Structures North Consulting Engineers and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, we awarded the contract to Joseph Gnazzo Company Inc., of Union, CT as the lowest qualified bidder. Gnazzo is well acquainted with our Set in Stone campaign as they have conducted excellent work for Phases 1 and 2 in 2019-2021.

Phase 4 will focus in the West side of the bell tower (facing Pleasant Street). The masons will have their work cut out for them: below is a close-up of some of the open mortar joints that are in dire need of attention. Work will begin in Spring 2025 and will be signaled by the arrival of the now-familiar scaffolding.

Accepting Bids for Phase 4

Representatives from three masonry firms attended our pre-bid meeting on October 22 for a close-up look at the masonry work outlined for our Phase 4 building repairs. Several other firms have expressed interest and plan to submit bids. Overall, we expect a reasonable number of bids to be submitted by the November 8 deadline. This will allow us an opportunity to choose the most qualified mason at the lowest bid price, with work to begin in Spring 2025.