Steeple Restoration Begins at Historic Needham Church

Steeple restoration has started at the historic First Baptist Church in Needham. With help from the church’s endowment fund and generous donations, much-needed upgrades have been made possible.

The first order of business will consist of erecting scaffolding around the steeple. The scaffolding will allow for access to the church’s facade as well as the trusses that support the belfry and spire.

Over the years, weather has taken its toll on the church, was first opened its door in 1856. Rot and decay has deteriorated the steeple’s facade. Those in charge of the construction said severely rotted wood “represent a threat to the longevity” of the bell tower.

The First Baptist Church is a town icon which stands on Great Plain Avenue. The church was originally located on on Highland Avenue, but it was moved in 1928 with the steeple intact.

It’s possibly the tallest occupied structure in Needham, measuring 123-feet 2-inches to the top of the spire’s weather vane. The spire alone is 40.5-feet tall.

Many small congregations cannot afford to restore their steeple before they are lost permanently to deterioration. With each loss, the traditional and authentic character of New England towns and villages are tumbling forever into the past.

Fortunately, the Town of Needham, and the First Baptist Church is committed to reserving its rich history.