Church News
Blessing of the Animals Service - October 15, 2023
Join us for a special "Blessing of the Animals" service at 10:00 am on Sunday, October 15, 2023 on the church steps.
Who: All beloved pets of any size and species!
(And their owners and families.)
Please also bring photos and ashes of a precious pet you may have said farewell to this past year, for a memorial blessing.
What: Blessing of your pet(s), followed by a shorter service inside.
Please bring your pets - of any kind - on a leash, in a carrier, in your arms, in a little aquarium, or however they feel safe.* Interim Minister Susan Caufield will offer an individual blessing on each of them.
Where: Weather permitting, we’ll start on the front lawn at the church steps (on the porch if rainy, or inside). After the blessings, we will proceed into the church while music plays, and find our seats, to complete our worship with a shorter, pet-friendly service.
(We understand if some pets need to go right home.)
Why: They are God’s great gift to us, and He loves them!
* Safety Guidelines: Please ensure your beloved creatures are under your control at all times, outside and inside, for the safety and comfort of each of them, and any fellow attendees, human or animal, who may have allergies or fears.
Note: Throughout the year, Susan will bless sick or needy pets in your home, barn, or yard. Call her cell at 860-324-4267.
Photo above - blessing of the animals, October 2020.
Old Home Day - September 10, 2023
Join us for a special Sunday on September 10, 2023 for our annual celebration of “Old Home Day”. This observance grew out of the huge birthday party at our church in 1879 for the 100th anniversary of Barkhamsted’s incorporation as a Connecticut town.
It is said that 4,000 people attended. Many of these were former residents of Barkhamsted who had come back to “the old home” for the big event.
This initial anniversary party was held on September 10, 1879 and pretty much every year since then there has been an echo celebration on or near September 10. We continue that tradition.
Start off the day with our 10:00 church service which will include some special music, followed by the traditional group photo on the steps of the church. If possible, bring a dish to share at our potluck lunch starting at about 11:30. Bring the kids for crafts and games. Also we will have a special tour of two nearby historic buildings: Merrill Tavern and the Center Schoolhouse across the street from the church. Hope to see you on September 10!
It is said that 4,000 people attended. Many of these were former residents of Barkhamsted who had come back to “the old home” for the big event.
This initial anniversary party was held on September 10, 1879 and pretty much every year since then there has been an echo celebration on or near September 10. We continue that tradition.
Start off the day with our 10:00 church service which will include some special music, followed by the traditional group photo on the steps of the church. If possible, bring a dish to share at our potluck lunch starting at about 11:30. Bring the kids for crafts and games. Also we will have a special tour of two nearby historic buildings: Merrill Tavern and the Center Schoolhouse across the street from the church. Hope to see you on September 10!
Searching For a New Pastor
Below is our "help wanted" posting for a new pastor at First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted. Please share this information with anyone interested in this position.
Part Time Senior Minister – Barkhamsted Congregational Church
Church name: The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted
Address: 6 Old Town Hall Road
Location: Barkhamsted, CT - Connecticut
City: Barkhamsted
NACCC Membership: Member of NACCC
State: CT
Zip: 06063
First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted
Post date: 08/06/2023
Title: Senior Minister
Hours per week: 20
Compensation: $ 27,500
The part-time Pastor will lead us in our Sunday worship; promote our church through community activities, conduct weddings, baptisms and funerals; counsel those in need and visit the ill and homebound; be actively involved in youth work and Christian education. It is also hoped that the Pastor will lead us in Bible Study and will reach out to prospective and inactive members. The Pastor will exercise a prayerful leadership role in the various aspects of Church business meetings. The Pastor will help carry out the Mission Statement and the Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan after completion of the plan and approval from the congregation at a Congregational Meeting. Of particular concern and priority is the development and implementation of a The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted Website growth strategy and visitation program. The Pastor will work with the Deacons to ensure that this aspect of church growth is implemented.
Search Committee Name of Chairperson: Bonnie Boyle
Email: bboyle43@charter.net
Search Committee Member Name: Sandy Davis
Email: sdavis4988@charter.net
List duties of the position or a job description: The part-time Pastor will lead us in our Sunday worship; promote our church through community activities, conduct weddings, baptisms and funerals; counsel those in need and visit the ill and homebound; be actively involved in youth work and Christian education. It is also hoped that the Pastor will lead us in Bible Study and will reach out to prospective and inactive members. The Pastor will exercise a prayerful leadership role in the various aspects of Church business meetings. The Pastor will help carry out the Mission Statement and the Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan after completion of the plan and approval from the congregation at a Congregational Meeting. Of particular concern and priority is the development and implementation of a growth strategy and visitation program. The Pastor will work with the Deacons to ensure that this aspect of church growth is implemented.
Indicate any special training, skills or certifications required: Ordained Minister with appropriate theological training is preferred. We would consider someone still attending theology school. We would also consider offering ordination within our church to a lay person if qualifications met.
Interested candidates may view the full job posting at NACCC.ORG
Please contact either Search Committee member listed above by email if interested.
Part Time Senior Minister – Barkhamsted Congregational Church
Church name: The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted
Address: 6 Old Town Hall Road
Location: Barkhamsted, CT - Connecticut
City: Barkhamsted
NACCC Membership: Member of NACCC
State: CT
Zip: 06063
First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted
Post date: 08/06/2023
Title: Senior Minister
Hours per week: 20
Compensation: $ 27,500
The part-time Pastor will lead us in our Sunday worship; promote our church through community activities, conduct weddings, baptisms and funerals; counsel those in need and visit the ill and homebound; be actively involved in youth work and Christian education. It is also hoped that the Pastor will lead us in Bible Study and will reach out to prospective and inactive members. The Pastor will exercise a prayerful leadership role in the various aspects of Church business meetings. The Pastor will help carry out the Mission Statement and the Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan after completion of the plan and approval from the congregation at a Congregational Meeting. Of particular concern and priority is the development and implementation of a The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted Website growth strategy and visitation program. The Pastor will work with the Deacons to ensure that this aspect of church growth is implemented.
Search Committee Name of Chairperson: Bonnie Boyle
Email: bboyle43@charter.net
Search Committee Member Name: Sandy Davis
Email: sdavis4988@charter.net
List duties of the position or a job description: The part-time Pastor will lead us in our Sunday worship; promote our church through community activities, conduct weddings, baptisms and funerals; counsel those in need and visit the ill and homebound; be actively involved in youth work and Christian education. It is also hoped that the Pastor will lead us in Bible Study and will reach out to prospective and inactive members. The Pastor will exercise a prayerful leadership role in the various aspects of Church business meetings. The Pastor will help carry out the Mission Statement and the Goals and Objectives of the Strategic Plan after completion of the plan and approval from the congregation at a Congregational Meeting. Of particular concern and priority is the development and implementation of a growth strategy and visitation program. The Pastor will work with the Deacons to ensure that this aspect of church growth is implemented.
Indicate any special training, skills or certifications required: Ordained Minister with appropriate theological training is preferred. We would consider someone still attending theology school. We would also consider offering ordination within our church to a lay person if qualifications met.
Interested candidates may view the full job posting at NACCC.ORG
Please contact either Search Committee member listed above by email if interested.
Welcome Interim Pastor Susan Caufield!
With the retirement of Rev. Susan Wyman in April 2023, we welcome Susan Caufield (photo below) as the interim pastor of the First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted. Susan Caufield will serve while our search committee works on filling this with a settled pastor.
Pastor Susan Wyman Announces Retirement
Our pastor Rev. Susan Wyman, announced her retirement from the First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted pulpit effective April 10, 2023. Sue has been our pastor since 2014 and we have much appreciated her service to our church over this period. We wish her well in retirement. We will miss Sue's smiling face and positive personality, although it is our hope that we will still see her often after her official church duties have ended. We are currently searching for a pastor to replace Sue.
Rev. Susan Wyman
Father's Day and Juneteenth - Sunday, June 19, 2022
Our open and welcoming church invites the community to join with us in worship at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 19th as we celebrate Father’s Day followed by a commemoration of our newest national (and soon to be State) holiday, Juneteenth. A potluck lunch will follow (bring a dish to share).
Juneteenth (a blend of June and nineteenth) is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, that the enslaved people in Galveston Texas learned that they were free.
Church Moderator, John Lavieri: “We recognize and appreciate that Juneteenth is part of our history, a day both joyful and sad. We pay our respects by commemorating this new holiday. It is also Father’s Day, and we remember all of the fathers who had to see their sons and daughters sold into slavery and the father-soldiers who gave their last measure to set them free.”
Bonnie Boyle, Deacon and member of the Restoration Committee: “The restoration of the church must be coupled with efforts on our part to restore Christian values to our country. Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us is our most basic tenet. On Juneteenth we will remember the pain that our black brothers and sisters have suffered and vow to do better.”
We invite the public to join us for this worship service, special program and potluck.
Juneteenth (a blend of June and nineteenth) is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, that the enslaved people in Galveston Texas learned that they were free.
Church Moderator, John Lavieri: “We recognize and appreciate that Juneteenth is part of our history, a day both joyful and sad. We pay our respects by commemorating this new holiday. It is also Father’s Day, and we remember all of the fathers who had to see their sons and daughters sold into slavery and the father-soldiers who gave their last measure to set them free.”
Bonnie Boyle, Deacon and member of the Restoration Committee: “The restoration of the church must be coupled with efforts on our part to restore Christian values to our country. Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us is our most basic tenet. On Juneteenth we will remember the pain that our black brothers and sisters have suffered and vow to do better.”
We invite the public to join us for this worship service, special program and potluck.
"Old Home Day" Celebration - Sunday, September 12, 2021
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, we held our traditional "Old Home Day" celebration at the Church. True to tradition, the day began with worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary followed by a trip outside to the portico for our church family photo. We then enjoyed a pot luck lunch in the community room downstairs with plenty of good food and socializing. Plan to bring a dish to share and join us each September for this wonderful yearly event.
Old Home Day is a celebration of the anniversary of the town of Barkhamsted. The 100th anniversary was observed on September 10, 1879 with a huge party attended by about 4,000 people on the grounds of our church. Many of them were former residents who traveled back to the "old home" for the celebration. Virtually every year since then Old Home Day has been observed here on or near September 10.
Old Home Day 2022 will be celebrated on Sunday, September 11. Let's keep it going!
Old Home Day is a celebration of the anniversary of the town of Barkhamsted. The 100th anniversary was observed on September 10, 1879 with a huge party attended by about 4,000 people on the grounds of our church. Many of them were former residents who traveled back to the "old home" for the celebration. Virtually every year since then Old Home Day has been observed here on or near September 10.
Old Home Day 2022 will be celebrated on Sunday, September 11. Let's keep it going!
Photo above - the Barkhamsted centennial celebration on September 10, 1879 at our church.
Easter Sunrise Service - April 4, 2021
First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted will hold an Easter sunrise service outside, in front of the church, at 8 Old Town Hall Road, Barkhamsted on April 4, 2021. Please gather at 6:15 am for the sunrise service, which will start at about 6:30 am. We hope to see you there! If the weather is a factor, the sunrise service will be held on the church portico or inside the building.
The church will also hold our regular 10:00 service on April 4 in the church sanctuary.
First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted will hold an Easter sunrise service outside, in front of the church, at 8 Old Town Hall Road, Barkhamsted on April 4, 2021. Please gather at 6:15 am for the sunrise service, which will start at about 6:30 am. We hope to see you there! If the weather is a factor, the sunrise service will be held on the church portico or inside the building.
The church will also hold our regular 10:00 service on April 4 in the church sanctuary.
Church to Reopen For Sunday Services Starting June 7, 2020
Church Moderator John Lavieri announces reopening of the church in late May 2020:
When we continued the suspension of worship services through May 31, we said that we would review our situation toward the end of May, and here we are. Having considered the counsel of our church leaders, and state and federal governments, COVID-19 conditions in the world, the nation, the state, and Barkhamsted, we believe it will now be safe to re-open for Sunday morning worship starting June 7.
In Connecticut the rate of hospitalizations and deaths has been coming steadily down for the last month. The rate of new infections is still worrying, but that may be a result of the dramatic increase in testing we have achieved. The state has today started cautiously to allow the re-opening of many businesses. Social gatherings of more than five people are still prohibited, however, faith-based institutions are specifically exempted from that order.
In the nation, rates continue to drop as states adopt various methods and rates of re-openings. And, in the world, we continue to see trouble spots diminish. So, while the crisis is far from over, we are going to re-start our worship together June 7, under the following conditions:
5. Please wear your masks to services;
6. Please observe 6-foot social distancing guidelines at all times;
7. We will suspend our coffee and social hour downstairs for the immediate future;
8. If you feel uncomfortable in attending under these circumstances, please do what you believe is best for you and others.
If this system works safely for a few weeks, we can consider opening a bit more. If it doesn’t, we can respond quickly in an appropriate way.
Looking forward to June 7,
John
Church Moderator John Lavieri announces reopening of the church in late May 2020:
When we continued the suspension of worship services through May 31, we said that we would review our situation toward the end of May, and here we are. Having considered the counsel of our church leaders, and state and federal governments, COVID-19 conditions in the world, the nation, the state, and Barkhamsted, we believe it will now be safe to re-open for Sunday morning worship starting June 7.
In Connecticut the rate of hospitalizations and deaths has been coming steadily down for the last month. The rate of new infections is still worrying, but that may be a result of the dramatic increase in testing we have achieved. The state has today started cautiously to allow the re-opening of many businesses. Social gatherings of more than five people are still prohibited, however, faith-based institutions are specifically exempted from that order.
In the nation, rates continue to drop as states adopt various methods and rates of re-openings. And, in the world, we continue to see trouble spots diminish. So, while the crisis is far from over, we are going to re-start our worship together June 7, under the following conditions:
- The sanctuary, vestibule, bathrooms, and kitchen will be professionally cleaned before June 7;
- We will gather outside, weather permitting. Laurie has graciously offered to bring her own keyboard for music;
- Professional advice from Laurie(Organists Guild) and Kathy Hart agree that we should not sing for a while longer. Singing projects the virus more forcefully than speaking. Laurie will play the hymns as we can read along;
5. Please wear your masks to services;
6. Please observe 6-foot social distancing guidelines at all times;
7. We will suspend our coffee and social hour downstairs for the immediate future;
8. If you feel uncomfortable in attending under these circumstances, please do what you believe is best for you and others.
If this system works safely for a few weeks, we can consider opening a bit more. If it doesn’t, we can respond quickly in an appropriate way.
Looking forward to June 7,
John
Church "Continuation" Annual Meeting Sunday, March 8, 2020
Our church holds a two part annual meeting and the second part is scheduled for March 8, 2020. This membership meeting will be held shortly after the conclusion of the Sunday service. Church financials are the main topic of the meeting. A light lunch of soup and sandwiches will be served just before the meeting starts (meeting start time is approximately 11:30).
Church Annual Meeting Held January 19, 2020
The annual meeting for the First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted was held after the church service on January 19, 2020 at the church. The 2020 budget was passed and we also heard the 2019 reports of the various committees. The election of officers for the new year was held. John Lavieri was elected moderator of the Church Council replacing Sandra Davis. Sandy Davis has been our moderator for many years and we are so thankful for her dedicated service and hard work. Sandy will continue to be active with the Church in other roles.
Also at the meeting it was voted to hold the "continuation meeting" on March 8, 2020 when the 2019 financials will be available for review.
Also at the meeting it was voted to hold the "continuation meeting" on March 8, 2020 when the 2019 financials will be available for review.
"Old Home Day" Observed - Sunday, September 8, 2019
"Old Home Day" is a celebration of the anniversary of the town of Barkhamsted. The 100th anniversary was observed on September 10, 1879 with a huge party attended by about 4,000 people on the grounds of our church. Many of them were former residents who traveled back to the "old home" for the celebration. Virtually every year since then Old Home Day has been observed here on or near September 10. The tradition has been to have all attending gather on the steps of the church for a photo, which we did! After the church service and group photo (shown below), a pot luck lunch was enjoyed by all. Hope you were able to make it.
Photo above- the traditional "Old Home Day" photo on the steps of our church - Sunday, September 8, 2019.
Easter Sunrise Service - Sunday, April 21, 2019
Photo above- Easter sunrise service at Beach Rock- 2001 perhaps.
We had a very nice Easter sunrise service on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 6:30 am at Beach Rock overlooking the Barkhamsted Reservoir (Beach Rock Road in Barkhamsted). This was a group effort sponsored by several area churches including ours. Immediately after the service many came to our church, First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted, for breakfast. Hope you had a nice Easter!
We had a very nice Easter sunrise service on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 6:30 am at Beach Rock overlooking the Barkhamsted Reservoir (Beach Rock Road in Barkhamsted). This was a group effort sponsored by several area churches including ours. Immediately after the service many came to our church, First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted, for breakfast. Hope you had a nice Easter!
Photo above - progress on the final phase of repairs to the church- shingling the roof December 19, 2018. The shingles were completed and other work done by the end of December 2018. We now have a safe roof that does not leak! It has been a long tough journey. Thanks to all who have helped us during this challenge.
Church Pageant Held on Sunday, December 16, 2018
Our special Sunday service on December 16, 2018 featured the annual church Christmas Pageant. We had very nice attendance and many people taking part in the presentation (see photo below). Great fun, music and a celebration of the birth of Christ. After the service all enjoyed fellowship and a nice pot luck lunch.
Our special Sunday service on December 16, 2018 featured the annual church Christmas Pageant. We had very nice attendance and many people taking part in the presentation (see photo below). Great fun, music and a celebration of the birth of Christ. After the service all enjoyed fellowship and a nice pot luck lunch.
Photo above- church pageant held during the Sunday service on December 16, 2018.
Photo above - progress on the second phase of our roof repairs...workers have put up staging that will be used to access the roof to make repairs on the belfry and to re-shingle the roof. The work is on schedule to be completed by the end of December as long as the weather does not become a major factor.
Meet Laurie Pont Hall, our new organist
We are excited to introduce our new church organist, Laurie Pont Hall. Laurie started in September 2018 and it is so nice to have her with us and listening to great live music again in church.
Some background on Laurie:
She is the accompanist for the Connecticut Yankee Chorale. She served as organist for the 2018 summer season of the Church of the Transfiguration in Norfolk. Prior to that she was the organist at the First Congregational Church of Litchfield for 35 years, directed the bell choir, and directed the senior choir as well after being named Music Director in 2008. She and husband David live in Harwinton, and have two adult daughters, Allison and Courtney. Laurie, welcome to our church!
We are excited to introduce our new church organist, Laurie Pont Hall. Laurie started in September 2018 and it is so nice to have her with us and listening to great live music again in church.
Some background on Laurie:
She is the accompanist for the Connecticut Yankee Chorale. She served as organist for the 2018 summer season of the Church of the Transfiguration in Norfolk. Prior to that she was the organist at the First Congregational Church of Litchfield for 35 years, directed the bell choir, and directed the senior choir as well after being named Music Director in 2008. She and husband David live in Harwinton, and have two adult daughters, Allison and Courtney. Laurie, welcome to our church!
Church tag sale - Sunday, October 14, 2018
In the ongoing fundraising efforts of the church, we held a tag sale on Sunday, October 14 on West River Road in Barkhamsted. We had to move the tag sale up one day because of the rain on Saturday. We had good weather and benefited from the Riverton Fair traffic. We raised $650 which makes it one of the best tag sale results we have seen. Thanks to all who donated items for the sale and helped work at the event.
In the ongoing fundraising efforts of the church, we held a tag sale on Sunday, October 14 on West River Road in Barkhamsted. We had to move the tag sale up one day because of the rain on Saturday. We had good weather and benefited from the Riverton Fair traffic. We raised $650 which makes it one of the best tag sale results we have seen. Thanks to all who donated items for the sale and helped work at the event.
Blessing of the animals held after the Sunday, October 14, 2018 service
On Sunday, October 14, our church held a special "blessing of the animals" ceremony. The service and ceremony was originally planned to be held outside on the portico of the church, but due to the cold weather it was held inside. The dedication welcomed and honored all varieties of domestic animals in the area, including two goats!
On Sunday, October 14, our church held a special "blessing of the animals" ceremony. The service and ceremony was originally planned to be held outside on the portico of the church, but due to the cold weather it was held inside. The dedication welcomed and honored all varieties of domestic animals in the area, including two goats!
Progress on roof repairs
Roof framing stabilization repairs have been completed in May and the church has been working on the second phase of the project: re-shingling the roof. Bids for this work and some other repairs have been received and a contractor has been selected. Re-shingling work was supposed to start in mid September 2018, but the contractor is late. Work is still progressing but snow and cold weather have hindered progress, and workers have found more damage and rot in the lower belfry than expected. We still hope that somehow the work can be completed by year end 2018. Because we have some leaks in the roof and with all the rain lately, it will be nice to have new shingles and flashing installed. The church will not need to close for this work, but during the construction period, please use caution when in or around the building.
Roof framing stabilization repairs have been completed in May and the church has been working on the second phase of the project: re-shingling the roof. Bids for this work and some other repairs have been received and a contractor has been selected. Re-shingling work was supposed to start in mid September 2018, but the contractor is late. Work is still progressing but snow and cold weather have hindered progress, and workers have found more damage and rot in the lower belfry than expected. We still hope that somehow the work can be completed by year end 2018. Because we have some leaks in the roof and with all the rain lately, it will be nice to have new shingles and flashing installed. The church will not need to close for this work, but during the construction period, please use caution when in or around the building.
Tag Sale - Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7, 2018
The bills have come in for our expensive roof repairs and we needed to raise funds to cover them and to pay to have the roof re-shingled. So we are had a tag sale fundraising effort on July 6 and July 7 at the town of Barkhamsted highway garage on Route 44 (right near the entrance to the RRDD #1 landfill). It was a lot of work but we raised $743 for the church. Thanks to all who helped!
The bills have come in for our expensive roof repairs and we needed to raise funds to cover them and to pay to have the roof re-shingled. So we are had a tag sale fundraising effort on July 6 and July 7 at the town of Barkhamsted highway garage on Route 44 (right near the entrance to the RRDD #1 landfill). It was a lot of work but we raised $743 for the church. Thanks to all who helped!
Sunday Services resume at our Church at 6 Old Town Hall Road.
Sunday, June 17, 2018 - our first service back at the church since September 2017! It was great to be back home (see photo below).
Sunday, June 17, 2018 - our first service back at the church since September 2017! It was great to be back home (see photo below).
Photo above - Sunday, June 17, 2018 - first church service back in our church sanctuary since September 2017.
Church Opens - Building Declared Safe!
Structural repairs to the roof framing have now been completed and our engineering firm has provided written documentation that the work has been successful. Today (June 4, 2018) the Barkhamsted building inspector has issued a work completion certificate and has declared the church building safe for occupancy.
This is a huge step for us. There is still some work to be done, including new shingles on the roof and flashing to stop leaks. We have applied a coat of stain/preservative to the wood floor of the sanctuary. This staining operation and getting things cleaned up have been completed now, and for the first time since September 2017, we will be BACK HOME for the church service starting June 17, 2018 and for Sundays going forward.
Structural repairs to the roof framing have now been completed and our engineering firm has provided written documentation that the work has been successful. Today (June 4, 2018) the Barkhamsted building inspector has issued a work completion certificate and has declared the church building safe for occupancy.
This is a huge step for us. There is still some work to be done, including new shingles on the roof and flashing to stop leaks. We have applied a coat of stain/preservative to the wood floor of the sanctuary. This staining operation and getting things cleaned up have been completed now, and for the first time since September 2017, we will be BACK HOME for the church service starting June 17, 2018 and for Sundays going forward.
Photo above: Church pastor Rev. Susan Wyman and church member Todd Davis remove the "BUILDING UNSAFE" sign
from the door of the church (June 3, 2018).
Church members Marcy Brandow and Mary Anne Stoecker apply the first coat of stain/preservative to the church floor June 4, 2018.
Photo above - work continues on the roof framing upgrade in the "attic" of the church. It may not be readily apparent in this shot, but the scope of the repair work is extensive. Photo taken May 14, 2018.
Photo above - sitting in the church sanctuary are some of the steel plates that will be used to reinforce roof framing joints in the attic. Photo taken May 14, 2018.
Roof Framing Repairs Continue
The two photos below show the first day (April 23, 2018) of repair construction on the roof framing of the church building. Workers from the contractor firm Kronenberger & Sons Restoration start actual construction work at the church. How long before the repairs are finished and the church building can open? That's the big question. Surely the construction work on the framing will be done by mid July 2018 and the current estimate is that this work will be done by early June 2018. We are hopeful that the church building will open shortly after. When roof repairs are completed, the engineering firm will inspect and, if all is in order, sign off on the work. Then the town building inspector will review the work. If all is in order, the building will be ready for use. We are not sure when this will all happen, but our hope is by late June or maybe even mid June.
The second phase of construction will involve replacing the roof shingles: removing the existing shingles and possibly the roof boards (plywood) and replacing them. We believe this work will start later this summer. We anticipate that the church building will be open and available for use BEFORE the start of this second phase of the project.
We get a generous grant!
The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted is pleased to announce that on April 5, 2018 we have received approval for an $18,000 grant from the Eva M. Coty Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. This grant will cover a portion of our costly and extensive roof repairs. We so appreciate this generous grant from the Foundation.
We have been very concerned that roof repair costs could threaten the viability of our church, and this grant helps to alleviate that concern. With this grant and earlier grants from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development, we can now cover a major portion of the costs. We plan to initiate soon a grass roots capital campaign to request donations from the community, which will also help.
Thank you so much for your support!
The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted is pleased to announce that on April 5, 2018 we have received approval for an $18,000 grant from the Eva M. Coty Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. This grant will cover a portion of our costly and extensive roof repairs. We so appreciate this generous grant from the Foundation.
We have been very concerned that roof repair costs could threaten the viability of our church, and this grant helps to alleviate that concern. With this grant and earlier grants from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development, we can now cover a major portion of the costs. We plan to initiate soon a grass roots capital campaign to request donations from the community, which will also help.
Thank you so much for your support!
Church hires contractor to do framing repairs
The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted has signed a contract with Kronenberger & Sons Restoration (Middletown, CT) to make repairs on the roof framing at our church building. Preliminary work has started already and the main effort will start in mid April. When the project will be completed we do not know for sure, but we are hopeful that the repairs will be done by mid June. When the repairs are done, we expect that the church building will reopen for use. After the roof stabilization work is completed, we will ask for bids and select a contractor to complete the remaining portion of the project which includes re-shingling the roof, flashing and other work around the belfry and some repairs to our plaster ceiling.
We got four bids by the March 12 deadline, reviewed them, got input from our engineering firm and selected the lowest bidder: Kronenberger & Sons Restoration. They are experienced in repair work involving old post and beam framing which is what we have at our church. Because the church is an historic structure, we wanted to preserve as much of the existing framing as possible. One of the early options proposed was completely replacing the roof framing with a modern truss system, but that was rejected because we did not want to completely remove the original framing. The structural stabilization design done by our engineers will keep virtually all the old framing.
Partial funding for this project will be provided by a grant from Connecticut’s Historic Restoration Fund through the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development and also by a grant from Eva M. Coty Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation (see announcement above). We are very thankful to these two for this support.
Unless we get a huge snow storm in April, it appears that we got through the winter without a roof failure caused by snow load. None of the options available to address snow load on the roof were good, but in early December the decision was made to have almost the entire roof covered with a new tarp, this time on both sides of the roof. The goal was to hopefully have the tarp shed snow and also to stop water damage from the leaky roof. On December 8, 2017, the tarp was installed (see photo below). The next day we got about five inches of snow, and within a day or two the snow had been shed from the roof. We realized that the snow would not always come off right after a storm, but we hoped that the slippery tarp would prevent a buildup of snow over several storms, and it did just that. Now (mid April 2018) after several winter storms, the tarp has performed very well, with most of the light snow storms we have received being quickly shed off the tarp on the roof.
The First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted has signed a contract with Kronenberger & Sons Restoration (Middletown, CT) to make repairs on the roof framing at our church building. Preliminary work has started already and the main effort will start in mid April. When the project will be completed we do not know for sure, but we are hopeful that the repairs will be done by mid June. When the repairs are done, we expect that the church building will reopen for use. After the roof stabilization work is completed, we will ask for bids and select a contractor to complete the remaining portion of the project which includes re-shingling the roof, flashing and other work around the belfry and some repairs to our plaster ceiling.
We got four bids by the March 12 deadline, reviewed them, got input from our engineering firm and selected the lowest bidder: Kronenberger & Sons Restoration. They are experienced in repair work involving old post and beam framing which is what we have at our church. Because the church is an historic structure, we wanted to preserve as much of the existing framing as possible. One of the early options proposed was completely replacing the roof framing with a modern truss system, but that was rejected because we did not want to completely remove the original framing. The structural stabilization design done by our engineers will keep virtually all the old framing.
Partial funding for this project will be provided by a grant from Connecticut’s Historic Restoration Fund through the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development and also by a grant from Eva M. Coty Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation (see announcement above). We are very thankful to these two for this support.
Unless we get a huge snow storm in April, it appears that we got through the winter without a roof failure caused by snow load. None of the options available to address snow load on the roof were good, but in early December the decision was made to have almost the entire roof covered with a new tarp, this time on both sides of the roof. The goal was to hopefully have the tarp shed snow and also to stop water damage from the leaky roof. On December 8, 2017, the tarp was installed (see photo below). The next day we got about five inches of snow, and within a day or two the snow had been shed from the roof. We realized that the snow would not always come off right after a storm, but we hoped that the slippery tarp would prevent a buildup of snow over several storms, and it did just that. Now (mid April 2018) after several winter storms, the tarp has performed very well, with most of the light snow storms we have received being quickly shed off the tarp on the roof.
Photo above - church tarp being installed on the roof on December 8, 2017.
Photo above- so far, so good! A couple of days after getting about 5 inches of snow, the blue tarp has no snow on it and the area not covered by the tarp (below the belfry) has snow sticking to the shingles. The structural issues in the roof framing are located from the mid point of the roof and toward the right in this photo (taken December 11, 2017).
Church Holds Annual Meeting - January 21, 2018
Our church held its annual meeting at the assembly room of the town highway garage (as you probably know, our church building is unavailable due to roof framing problems). After a nice pizza lunch, reports covering 2017 activities were presented from the pastor, officers and committees. It has been quite a year. The 2018 budget was discussed and adopted. Officers and committees were elected or appointed. A lot of people have worked hard for our church to make it run as smoothly as possible, and we are grateful to all who have given their time and resources.
Our church held its annual meeting at the assembly room of the town highway garage (as you probably know, our church building is unavailable due to roof framing problems). After a nice pizza lunch, reports covering 2017 activities were presented from the pastor, officers and committees. It has been quite a year. The 2018 budget was discussed and adopted. Officers and committees were elected or appointed. A lot of people have worked hard for our church to make it run as smoothly as possible, and we are grateful to all who have given their time and resources.
Photo above - church annual meeting January 21, 2018.
Church Pageant - December 17, 2017
We had our traditional Christmas pageant on December 17 even though our church building is temporarily closed. The pageant followed a short Sunday service at the town garage assembly hall. We had an excellent turnout and lots of kids playing the roles of angels, animals and other characters of the Nativity. Everyone had fun!
We had our traditional Christmas pageant on December 17 even though our church building is temporarily closed. The pageant followed a short Sunday service at the town garage assembly hall. We had an excellent turnout and lots of kids playing the roles of angels, animals and other characters of the Nativity. Everyone had fun!
Photo above- most of the cast of the pageant held December 17, 2017
Photo at left- our Sunday, October 15, 2017 church service was held on the portico of the church. We cannot use the interior of the building due to roof framing issues.
Sunday services have been held at the Senior Center, but we were not able to use the Senior Center this Sunday. Each year during Riverton Fair weekend, the Barkhamsted Seniors have a big tag sale fund raising event and needed the Senior Center building to support that effort. So we had our service back at the church, and fortunately the day was fairly warm and the rain held off.
It was nice hearing the church bell ringing again! Sunday services will return back to the Senior Center starting October 22.
Photo above - Church tag sale on October 14, 2017.
With the Riverton Fair drawing a lot of traffic, what better day to hold a tag sale to raise funds for our church? This is the third year we have done a tag sale. The location is on West River Road in Pleasant Valley and a lot of people going to the Riverton Fair stopped in to see what we had for sale. Fortunately the rain held off, and we made $416 for the church.
Help us out! Save your tag sale items for next year. We collect stuff all year, so keep us in mind.
We got the state grant! - October 4, 2017
Today, October 4, 2017, Church restoration committee chairperson Leslie Cosgrove announced that our Church has received preliminary approval of our $50,000 grant application by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development from their Connecticut’s Historic Restoration Fund.” The grant will be formally approved when all the paperwork is completed and signed, which should be done soon.
This is a matching grant, so our Church will need to raise at least an additional $50,000 to complete the work. The work involves critical structural framing repairs to the roof of the church building, and also includes other necessary repair work such as re-shingling the roof of the building. The church building has been closed since late August 2017 because of structural deficiencies discovered by engineers hired by the Church to look at the integrity of the building.
The work required to fix these issues and to re-shingle the roof of the building and complete some additional tasks is expected to cost a significant amount. The actual cost will not be determined until the proposed work is put out to bid and a contractor's bid is accepted. The process of getting bids and selecting a contractor are the next steps. The Church will need to cover up front 100% of the cost of the project, and the $50,000 grant funds will be paid to the Church after the project is completed.
It is our hope to complete the project in the next several months, although that schedule may be a little optimistic. When the work is done, the church building will be reopened for Sunday services. Until then, services are being held at the Barkhamsted Senior Center on West River Road. Services are at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
Today, October 4, 2017, Church restoration committee chairperson Leslie Cosgrove announced that our Church has received preliminary approval of our $50,000 grant application by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development from their Connecticut’s Historic Restoration Fund.” The grant will be formally approved when all the paperwork is completed and signed, which should be done soon.
This is a matching grant, so our Church will need to raise at least an additional $50,000 to complete the work. The work involves critical structural framing repairs to the roof of the church building, and also includes other necessary repair work such as re-shingling the roof of the building. The church building has been closed since late August 2017 because of structural deficiencies discovered by engineers hired by the Church to look at the integrity of the building.
The work required to fix these issues and to re-shingle the roof of the building and complete some additional tasks is expected to cost a significant amount. The actual cost will not be determined until the proposed work is put out to bid and a contractor's bid is accepted. The process of getting bids and selecting a contractor are the next steps. The Church will need to cover up front 100% of the cost of the project, and the $50,000 grant funds will be paid to the Church after the project is completed.
It is our hope to complete the project in the next several months, although that schedule may be a little optimistic. When the work is done, the church building will be reopened for Sunday services. Until then, services are being held at the Barkhamsted Senior Center on West River Road. Services are at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
Meeting of the Congregation - September 17, 2017
On September 17, 2017, our Church held the Sunday service at the Barkhamsted Senior Center on West River Road in Barkhamsted. After the service, a meeting of the Congregation was held at the Senior Center. At that meeting it was decided to continue to hold our 10:00 am Sunday Church services at the Barkhamsted Senior Center for at least the immediate future. Our Church building in Barkhamsted Center cannot be used until roof framing deficiencies are addressed. At the meeting, this effort was also discussed, specifically a need for a fundraising plan and a need to develop options for temporary repairs or permanent repairs as soon as possible.
On September 17, 2017, our Church held the Sunday service at the Barkhamsted Senior Center on West River Road in Barkhamsted. After the service, a meeting of the Congregation was held at the Senior Center. At that meeting it was decided to continue to hold our 10:00 am Sunday Church services at the Barkhamsted Senior Center for at least the immediate future. Our Church building in Barkhamsted Center cannot be used until roof framing deficiencies are addressed. At the meeting, this effort was also discussed, specifically a need for a fundraising plan and a need to develop options for temporary repairs or permanent repairs as soon as possible.
Photo above - meeting of the Congregation on September 17, 2017 at the Barkhamsted Senior Center.
Old Home Day -- September 10, 2017
Old Home Day activities began with the Sunday worship services at 10:00. Because of the roof issues the service was held outside the Church on the Portico. Following the service, the traditional group photograph of all participants was taken on the steps of th Church portico. After the service we enjoyed a Pot Luck luncheon...what a nice warm sunny day for all the activities!
Following the lunch, a we hiked about a half mile down to the west side of the Barkhamsted Reservoir and visited several historic sites including the location of the original meeting house built in 1784 (dismantled just after the Civil War) and the Center schoolhouse and cemetery.
Old Home Day activities began with the Sunday worship services at 10:00. Because of the roof issues the service was held outside the Church on the Portico. Following the service, the traditional group photograph of all participants was taken on the steps of th Church portico. After the service we enjoyed a Pot Luck luncheon...what a nice warm sunny day for all the activities!
Following the lunch, a we hiked about a half mile down to the west side of the Barkhamsted Reservoir and visited several historic sites including the location of the original meeting house built in 1784 (dismantled just after the Civil War) and the Center schoolhouse and cemetery.
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Photo above left...the September 10, 2017 "Old Home Day" service held on the step of the Church.
Photo above right...the traditional Old Home Day group photo - September 10, 2017.
Photo above right...the traditional Old Home Day group photo - September 10, 2017.
Roof Issues Update -- August 2017
In late August of 2017, the engineering firm GNCB discovered additional structural issues in the Church roof framing and recommended that the building not be occupied until these issues are corrected. Therefore, regular Church worship services will not be held in the Sanctuary until further notice. We very much regret these developments, but in the interest of safety feel we must follow the recommendations of the engineers. Stay tuned here for updates on the location of future worship services.
In late August of 2017, the engineering firm GNCB discovered additional structural issues in the Church roof framing and recommended that the building not be occupied until these issues are corrected. Therefore, regular Church worship services will not be held in the Sanctuary until further notice. We very much regret these developments, but in the interest of safety feel we must follow the recommendations of the engineers. Stay tuned here for updates on the location of future worship services.
Roof Issues
Photo at left- our Church. Look closer and you can see a big tan tarp covering part of the roof. We have a leaky roof, and worse- the roof framing has issues. This tarp lasted about a year, now (late 2017) it is pretty much in tatters.
In 2016 we hired a structural engineering firm to pinpoint the framing problems. That investigation is now in process. The first recommendation was to make some critical temporary fixes to shore up the problem timbers. This was completed in December 2016 -- just in time to prevent any damage from the winter snow load!
This church is an old structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places, so we need to make permanent repairs to the framing that will preserve as much of the building fabric as possible. That goal is what we are currently working on.
Photo at left- our Church. Look closer and you can see a big tan tarp covering part of the roof. We have a leaky roof, and worse- the roof framing has issues. This tarp lasted about a year, now (late 2017) it is pretty much in tatters.
In 2016 we hired a structural engineering firm to pinpoint the framing problems. That investigation is now in process. The first recommendation was to make some critical temporary fixes to shore up the problem timbers. This was completed in December 2016 -- just in time to prevent any damage from the winter snow load!
This church is an old structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places, so we need to make permanent repairs to the framing that will preserve as much of the building fabric as possible. That goal is what we are currently working on.