Great news – the scaffolding on the Bell Tower has been completely removed! The parapet has been fully recast and can now be seen from the street. The only outdoor work remaining is to repaint the front façade pieces that were painted several years ago (prior to Collaboration.) Our contractor will prepare a special mixture of paint to exactly match the rest of the tower, so that the front façade will be completely uniform once again. They will only need to erect a small tower on the side of the church to complete the painting so the full scaffolding will not be needed.
The interior work on the bell supports was postponed until January. Once this work is completed, we will be able to reopen the choir loft. In addition, the parts needed to restore the bell’s ringing mechanism have been ordered and the work is scheduled for this spring.
We are very grateful to our parishioners and friends who have supported this important project. As of December 31, 2022, gifts and pledges totaling more than $328,700 have been made toward the total project budget of $487,200 – 67%! (This includes more than $152,700 in cash received to date.)
We’re getting closer but we still need your help. Checks may be sent to the St. Paul office (502 Washington St. Wellesley, MA 02482). Online Gifts may be made by visiting https://sjspwellesley.org/st-paul-bell-tower/
All donors giving $5,000 or more will have their names listed on a commemorative plaque to be installed in the church’s gathering area.
Thank you very much for your generosity!