Walpole's United Church Votes To Approve $3.3 Million Restoration

WALPOLE, MA - Members of the United Church in Walpole voted overwhelmingly to support the first phase of the renovation of their church expected to cost around $3.3 million in a special congregational meeting held Sunday.

The vote was 103 yes, 4 no and 3 abstentions, congregation member Andrew Flowers, the husband of pastor Rev. Anna Flowers, said Sunday. He noted that there were 110 votes cast out of the 219 members present for the vote. The church is located at 30 Common St.

"United Church has been the spiritual center of downtown Walpole since 1725," said Rev. Anna Flowers. "Our church's ancestors are the ancestors of the town - and it is upon their legacy that we stand. We are thrilled that in 2022, our congregation has honored our ancestors legacy by making a commitment to the future."

She added that the renovated building is envisoned to be a commuity resource space for events and gatherings.

"We hope the wider community of Walpole and beyond will see this renovation as a shared endeavor," Anna Flowers said. "We can't wait for the community to enjoy these new spaces - from bringing their children to the daycare, to attending concerts and cultural events, to hosting celebrations on the beautiful new rooftop deck. We believe that the church should be something that fosters life and love and hope in our town, and we can't wait for our building to help us do that once again."

Informational meetings on the proposed project were held both in person and virtually during the two weeks preceeding the vote. The historical features will be preserved while modernizing the infrastructure.

Phase One of the project includes the installation of a new, all-electric green HVAC system with commercial grade mini-splits that will connect to a single exhaust port at the back of the church. Electrical and plumbing systems will be upgraded, and the building will be brought up to code with a new fire alarm and sprinkler system. Also included are a new elevator and three accessible bathrooms.

The entire first floor will be gutted, according to the proposal. A new meeting room, parlor, chapel and staff offices will be constructed. One central lobby is planned. There will be a professionally installed Wi-Fi system, and all of the existing wires will be encased.

A separate children's ministry room will double as a day care center during the week. According to the proposal, at a cost of $750,000, it is cheaper to add this room than to renovate the existing Sunday school wing. The wing will be demolished.

One highlight is a new accessible rooftop deck with surrounding planters, which the church plans to rent out for events.

Funding sources include a 30-year loan from the United Church of Christ Church building and loan fund, as well as fundrasing campaigns. The church currently has a $2.4 million endownment.

Once the construction is completed, the day care center is projected to earn revenue of $110,000 a year. Other church rentals were estimated to garner another $20,000.