United Methodist's historic church seeks funds for 150-year-old steeple
The United Methodist church on North Broad Street in Norwich had its tall steeple constructed in 1875 and the historic landmark had not been rung for many years. The church is in need of more repairs. The church from Broad Street and a view inside its steeple. (Photos by Tyler Murphy)
NORWICH – The Broad Street United Methodist Church will be holding fundraisers to help cover the costs of restoration for the historical church.
The United Methodist Church is known for its towering steeple, which is the highest building in Norwich, is in need of repairs.
The church was constructed in 1875 and has been a historic landmark of the community ever since.
Rehabilitation efforts began in 2019. Church officials first focused on the stained glass windows, but soon realized the deterioration went further. The bricks and beams within the steeple were also in need of repairs.
For the first time in a number of years the bell was rung on Easter of 2020 after initial repairs.
“We think the bell was last rung in the 1980’s. The reconstruction project still has over a million dollars to finish the roof and steeple, but it is reassuring to see and hear the immediate benefits of the recent construction,” said Rev. Rachel Ann Barnhart.
Sharon Fleming, a lifelong member of the church, explained that because there are no stairs up into the steeples, they had no way of knowing the damage was so extensive until a balcony began sagging.
“The steeples were actually collapsing into the church,” she said.
Although repairs first began in 2019, progress was temporarily halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before restoration efforts were paused, they were able to replace the interior structure of the steeples to provide a strong foundation. Church leaders say this restoration was made possible by “the kindness and generosity of so many people.”
With repairs back up and running, church officials are now focusing on re-roofing both steeples, as well as replacing the entire roof of the building.
To help cover the costs, the Broad Street United Methodist Church will be hosting Doug’s Fish Fry on Saturday, April 24. The event will be held in the YMCA parking lot, which is located next to the church. It will run from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
A “give back benefit” will also be held to raise money for the church. The Wild Owl Cafe will be donating a percentage of their sales to assist with restoration costs. This event will be held on May 3, and will run all day.
The United Methodist Church has provided services to the community for several years. They have held rummage sales, bake sales, blood drives, luncheons, and dinners. They also allow several organizations to use the building, including AA, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, and the Norwich City Band, among others.
“I want people to know it's more than just four walls,” said Fleming. “We do a lot for the community.”
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has also partnered with the Public Health Department to set up a vaccination site in the building. They also provide monthly free PB&J sandwich lunches, free clothing, and a free food cabinet stationed outside the church for residents in need.
They have also been able to continue providing preschool services, but Sunday church services have been put on hold until further notice. Fleming stated they also hope to get their rummage sales up and running again.
The church plans more fundraisers, and are also applying for grants.
If you would like to make a donation or a pledge, please contact the Broad Street United Methodist Church at 74 North Broad Street in Norwich, or call 607-334-2895.
The United Methodist Church is known for its towering steeple, which is the highest building in Norwich, is in need of repairs.
The church was constructed in 1875 and has been a historic landmark of the community ever since.
Rehabilitation efforts began in 2019. Church officials first focused on the stained glass windows, but soon realized the deterioration went further. The bricks and beams within the steeple were also in need of repairs.
For the first time in a number of years the bell was rung on Easter of 2020 after initial repairs.
“We think the bell was last rung in the 1980’s. The reconstruction project still has over a million dollars to finish the roof and steeple, but it is reassuring to see and hear the immediate benefits of the recent construction,” said Rev. Rachel Ann Barnhart.
Sharon Fleming, a lifelong member of the church, explained that because there are no stairs up into the steeples, they had no way of knowing the damage was so extensive until a balcony began sagging.
“The steeples were actually collapsing into the church,” she said.
Although repairs first began in 2019, progress was temporarily halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before restoration efforts were paused, they were able to replace the interior structure of the steeples to provide a strong foundation. Church leaders say this restoration was made possible by “the kindness and generosity of so many people.”
With repairs back up and running, church officials are now focusing on re-roofing both steeples, as well as replacing the entire roof of the building.
To help cover the costs, the Broad Street United Methodist Church will be hosting Doug’s Fish Fry on Saturday, April 24. The event will be held in the YMCA parking lot, which is located next to the church. It will run from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
A “give back benefit” will also be held to raise money for the church. The Wild Owl Cafe will be donating a percentage of their sales to assist with restoration costs. This event will be held on May 3, and will run all day.
The United Methodist Church has provided services to the community for several years. They have held rummage sales, bake sales, blood drives, luncheons, and dinners. They also allow several organizations to use the building, including AA, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, and the Norwich City Band, among others.
“I want people to know it's more than just four walls,” said Fleming. “We do a lot for the community.”
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has also partnered with the Public Health Department to set up a vaccination site in the building. They also provide monthly free PB&J sandwich lunches, free clothing, and a free food cabinet stationed outside the church for residents in need.
They have also been able to continue providing preschool services, but Sunday church services have been put on hold until further notice. Fleming stated they also hope to get their rummage sales up and running again.
The church plans more fundraisers, and are also applying for grants.
If you would like to make a donation or a pledge, please contact the Broad Street United Methodist Church at 74 North Broad Street in Norwich, or call 607-334-2895.
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