Preservation 2020
#THISPLACEMATTERS
The Killingworth Congregational Church is not only a place of faith, worship, and fellowship. It has been a beloved treasure of our quintessential New England town since 1820. Its reach goes far beyond the current congregation. Important rites of passage have occurred here throughout the years — baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. Our steeple has guided pilots home. Our bell and our carillon have brought joy and inspiration to those around us.
However, the need for restoration is evident to the members of our church and community, guests, and others who use our facilities. We are looking to raise the needed funds to restore and preserve our house of fellowship for future generations to come.
We’ve consulted contractors and other tradespeople to inspect the church and its grounds. Listed are the key areas they have recommend that need to be repaired:
- Interior Dome: The interior dome repair from a recent leak is a priority among the needs of restoration. Securing the dome from above as well as repairing and painting it.
- Exterior: The exterior is in dire need of attention with large falling pieces, wood rot, and peeling paint. The parking lot pavement is cracked and is lifting in many areas making it unsafe. The septic system is also in need of repair.
- Bell, Clock, and Carillon: The bell headpiece, clapper spring, and clapper support assembly are so rusted that they can no longer ring it for safety reasons.
- Interior: The interior carpet is severely faded and is deteriorating from the sun.
This restoration project is also a preservation effort as we approach the 200th ‘birthday’ of our church building. There is much to do to bring this structure back…and to move it forward for the next 200 years. It will take a heartfelt effort of those who truly love this building to see it through.
Please help to keep our sanctuary from further deterioration. We need to give it the attention it deserves for future generations and celebrate those accomplishments on May 31, 2020…when it’s officially 200 years old.
For more information, please contact Charlie Smith (860-663-1583). Please send donations to the Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Route 81, Killingworth, CT or click on the DONATE BUTTON. As always, thank you for your interest and your support.
Restoring the steeple
Restoration updates
Removing the Posts
Our church’s steeple is a solid structure, but the parts surrounding needed to be removed, repaired or replaced.
The Valley Restoration crew removed most of the railings and spindles in December 2020, then returned in early January 2021 to take down two corner posts on the southside of the belfry. The posts were deteriorated beyond repair and was authentically replicated at a Norwalk millwork shop.
To get a drone’s-eye view of the steeple and belfry (and all the beautiful Killingworth scenery surrounding it), visit the Preservation 2020 page on Facebook.
Phase II
Now that the belfry has been restored to its 1820s glory Phase 1, we are gearing up for Phase 2. This next phase focuses on all components of the church’s exterior below the belfry. It includes all exterior carpentry and painting, window repairs, plus repairs on the center front door hardware and all architectural moldings and trim.
The procedures to apply for a second grant from the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) will follow the exact protocols as those for Phase 1. A grant application will be submitted to the Connecticut’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). If awarded, the church will then solicit bids followed by SHPO’s review and approval of the bids and choice of contractor. This involves a pre-bid conference and time for bid preparation. Once received and approved, the Preservation 2020 team will award a contract to the successful bidder and begin construction.
Once approved, according to SHPO’s rules, the church is required to pay the contractors in full for the work and will then be reimbursed 50% of the cost by SHPO at the completion of the work.
We anticipate that work on Phase 2 will begin this fall of 2021.