Steeple Motion and Campaign Description
UPDATED NOVEMBER 30, 2021
FINAL REPORT
We, the Halifax Congregational Church, cannot begin to adequately thank our church family, the residents of Halifax, and others from Maine, Connecticut, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, Arizona, and beyond who contributed to our “Save the Steeple” Campaign! We are grateful and humbled by the caring and generous spirit in which these gifts were given. We are pleased to be able to end the campaign a month earlier than planned, and to have surpassed our goal by more than $2000. Any money that is not needed for the specific repairs at this time will be placed in a permanent account earmarked specifically for steeple maintenance. A sincere thank you and Happy Holidays to all of you!
In early September we began a public campaign to raise $15,000 for significant repairs to our steeple, hoping to meet our goal and end the campaign by December 31, 2021. Because of generous donations from our congregation and our community and friends, we have reached 95% of our goal so far. Based upon pledges and promises from some who have not yet given, and our belief that added support is forthcoming, we are taking a leap of faith and ending the formal campaign on November 30, 2021. We cannot begin to express adequate thanks to all who have given to this campaign. You have helped us to save a true icon of history for our church and for the town of Halifax. We are especially thankful this Thanksgiving week and wish everyone a joyful, healthy, happy Thanksgiving.
VENMO: @halifaxma-steepleproject
CHECK: Payable to Halifax Congregational Church, 503 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA. 02338. Please denote “steeple project” in memo section on check.
Part of the Trustees' planning for this project includes asking church friends and members to share the information with friends and family. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via the church email address (halifaxmaucc@gmail.com)
God bless you all,
Bob Kniffen, Chairman
Church Council
The following was shared on social media:
HELP SAVE THE STEEPLE…
The Board of Trustees was recently made aware that the iconic white steeple of the Halifax Congregational Church is in immediate need of repair. We need your help to save it! Our hope is to raise $15,000 in donations in order to keep the existing structure as it stands now. The scope of work includes repairing the bell wheel to make the bell operational, repairing the clocks on the tower, installing historically appropriate louvers in the arched spaces near the top to protect the interior from birds and precipitation, and replacing roof shingles and flashing on the dormer roofs.
For a little history, our Congregational Church in Halifax was first established in 1734. The church building that stands today was built in 1852. The steeple was able to withstand the gale of 1880 and several strikes by lightning down through the years. In 1951 the steeple was deemed unsafe and needed rebuilding, involving repair of the steeple, bell tower, and supporting structure. Interest in the 1951 “Save Our Steeple Campaign” was widespread. Contributions came in from every state in the union and from England, Canada, and Puerto Rico. (History of Halifax Massachusetts by Guy S. Baker)
Please help us keep this beautiful icon of our town center and of Halifax’ history as it has been for over 168 years. Let’s hear church bells ring once again! Any amount you can contribute will help.
Thank you!
Venmo: @halifaxma-steepleproject
Mailed donations made payable to:
Halifax Congregational Church
503 Plymouth Street
Halifax, MA 02338
Denote: Save our Steeple