Windham Presbyterian Church

2017 Certificate of Merit

Windham Presbyterian Church for restoration of its tower

with: Mid-Maine Restoration, LCHIP

This 1834 Presbyterian Church anchors Windham’s local historic district. When an assessment discovered structural deficiencies and rot on their bell tower, the church formed a “People for the Steeple” campaign to properly restore the local landmark. The committee secured aLCHIP grant and hired Mid-Maine Restoration to carry out the project. Structural members were addressed, deteriorated mill work was replaced in-kind, clapboards were repaired and replaced, the dome’s roof and decking were made weather-tight, and the weather vane was re-gilded.

Despite the congregation’s newcomer status to the preservation and grant writing world, this successful small-scale project serves as a model for other churches. Most importantly to congregants, the Holbrook bell can now once again welcome people to service.

Congregants celebrate ringing the bell after restoration. Photo courtesy of Windham Presbyterian Church.