Public Forum: Does The Town Aspire To A Spire?

The following was provided by the Unitarian Universalist Church in Wakefield:

The Wakefield Unitarian Universalist Church invites all interested persons to a public forum on Wednesday, January 16th at 7 PM to discuss options for the church’s roof.

In connection with its Bicentennial celebration, the congregation launched a Capital Campaign last June to address this and other building concerns. Significant money has already been raised from within the congregation, enough to enable Phase I of the project, the repair and painting of the exterior. However, the costs for rooftop options beyond the removal of the existing, compromised steeple structures (tower and belfry), especially the adding of a spire similar to the one removed in 2008 - have exceeded the church’s internal capabilities.

Recognizing that many residents care about the town’s skyline and the preservation of our historic architecture, the congregation voted to invite the community to this public forum to discuss the design options and the costs associated with them. Town officials will attend and lend their expertise and guidance on how the Town of Wakefield can best support the Church with the three proposed options. Lead architect Patrick Guthrie from the firm, Menders, Torrey & Spencer, will help lead the panel discussion, along with church President Janine Fabiano and Campaign Chair Joseph Cresta. The forum will be held at 326 Main Street, downstairs in the church’s social hall.

Please contact Campaign Chair, Joe Cresta (781-245-2967), President Janine Fabiano (781-245-0631) or Rev. Maddie Sifantus (781-245-4632) with questions or comments about the project. Or you can email admin@wakefielduu.org or write to Wakefield UU Church/Capital Campaign, PO Box 529, Wakefield, MA 01880.