Building and grounds

As stewards of this historic building, we are constantly working to  maintain both historical and structural elements. Like the owners of any  building, there's always something that needs fixing.

The Bell Tower project, completed in 2006, required professionals from  numerous fields - contractors, architects, preservationists, etc. and  was conducted in coordination with and support from the City. The City  owns the clock and bell. By coordinating closely we were able to utilize  the staging in place for the tower project to facilitate the  restoration of the clock faces and replacement of the bell which was  cracked.

The bell tower restoration work was part of a long range program for  building restoration begun by the congregation in the mid-1990’s. Major  work was done in 1999 and 2000 to install 16 new steel trusses to  rebuild the roof structure, install a new slate roof, and restore the  interior of the main sanctuary, including its magnificent coffered  plaster ceiling. Total costs for work done at that time were $1.7  million. In 2001, the church sold 11 pieces of historic silver to pay  off loans needed to finance the project beyond available church and  grant funds.

Work in more recent years has also included landscaping, rainwater  drainage, a new concrete floor in the downstairs dining room, a new  Heating Boiler for the church, and kitchen and class room improvements,  and we have recently added elegant wrought-iron hand-rails to our front  steps to enhance access to our church. Future work includes window  restoration for the Parish Hall addition and full handicap  accessibility.

Most recently, we have completed an extensive project to make our church fully accessible to people of all abilities, including the additional of an elevator and ADA-accessible restroom.  This was a project completed in conjunction with the City of Quincy.

While we are a National Historic Landmark, we do not accept Federal  Funds to maintain this building. All preservation and restoration funds  are raised by United First Parish Church.

Donations to help us restore and preserve this historic building are most welcome.