Written by Junior Warden, Ruth Beard 

Thanks to the generosity of the Preservation Trust of Vermont and Keefe & Wesner Architects, P.C. of Middlebury we were able to have an assessment of the existing conditions of the church and parish house.

Tom Keefe joined me for a three-hour walk around the buildings on December 10^th. He was able to visualize most of the areas of concern.  His report arrived the week after the Bishop’s visit.

Tom was very impressed with our building and warned that we need to be careful to get trades people skilled in preservation so the necessary work is done in such a way as to prevent future repairs needed due to unskilled repairs.  At the end of his report Tom listed high, medium and low priority repairs with probable costs for the work.   He also indicated that when budgeting for these repairs we should add 20% for unseen damage.

The high priority work entails much stonework. 

1. Assessment of the bell tower was not as thorough as it might have been because of the snow, but further assessment and repair of the tower, parapets and stonework especially on the north east side.
2. Stone masonry repairs
3. Slate roof/siding repairs (west side major/east side minor)
4. Repair the flashing and drainage at the south east corner joining the parish house.
5. Repair clerestory window sills and surrounds
6. Repair the handicap ramp/ prime and paint the rails
7. Repair the chimney of the parish house.

Subtotal:                                                                                  $93,000- $125,000 

The medium priorities work entails more woodwork.

1. Wood cornice repair on main and small entry
2. Wood repairs to north entry entablatures (top sections of the columns)
3. Replace caulking at all openings (doors, windows, louvers, etc)
4. Woodwork repair to north Rose window and slot Gothic window surrounds
5. Repairs to east storm windows and wood window surrounds
6. Paint all woodwork. Surrounds and trim that does not need repair

Subtotal                                                                                   $51,000- $65,000 

The low priority items include:

1. Repairs to the south bulkhead enclosure and door
2. Repair major Gothic window storm
3. Woodwork repairs to louvers in tower
4. Re-grade the south east corner of ramp for better drainage

Subtotal                                                                                   $14,500- $18,000 

He also suggested that we come up with a comprehensive plan for the use and maintenance of our buildings to organize records, avoid costly repairs in the future, anticipate cyclical replacement of some materials.  Maintaining an historic building is significantly different than maintaining newer building.

We are still participating in New Partners/New Dollars for Sacred Places.   We continue to work at determining our strengths and weaknesses.  Our next meeting in March will cover a great deal on fundraising.   We will be soliciting your help as we continue on our journey to restore and maintain our historic treasure.

 Ruth Beard