BATH — A Bath church is once again seeking funds to restore its clock tower and steeple after uncovering significant rot in the 1850s structure.
First Baptist Church of Bath’s dozen or so congregants worry completing the project could force them to close their doors. That’s not an option, though, since many more community members rely on the church for free meals, clothes and necessities.
“We can’t finish this project and leave us with zero money in our treasury, because then, we can’t run the building,” said Fred Bogue, a church trustee who is leading the steeple restoration project.
The city of Bath installed the clock at the Washington Street church in 1855. The building dates back to 1853.
“It’s an iconic part of the Bath skyline,” said Sara Bogue, the church’s treasurer and Fred’s wife.
Church members now estimate the project — first expected to cost at least $100,000 — will cost more than $150,000, and there’s no telling what additional expenses they could run into.
The restoration effort was initially triggered when the church’s insurance company said it couldn’t continue to insure the building, given the deterioration of the steeple and clock tower.
Sara Bogue recently set up a GoFundMe for the project which has generated a few hundred dollars so far. Jamie Rines, daughter of Deacon George Snyder and Tammy Snyder, who runs the church’s free clothing closet, has also launched a donation page.
The group also has received some assistance from a Maine Steeples Fund grant.
The contractor, New England Church Restoration, began work on the steeple in August and immediately discovered rotting beams and major structural damage.
“He could literally pull boards off with his fingers, and it just turned into powder,” Fred Bogue said.
Fred Bogue said the fix will include replacing the beams with laminated veneer lumber beams that won’t rot.
“Unfortunately, every step of the way that that’s happening as we come down in the building adds to the cost of the project,” he said.
With financial challenges and a shrinking congregation, the Bogues said the church has also struggled to employ a consistent pastor.
For now, the project is on hold and the bell, which had tolled every hour since 1855, sits silent.
The church feeds dozens of people each Friday and Thanksgiving at its meal and warming center downstairs. It also offers free clothing at a clothing closet next door, where volunteers recently installed a wheelchair and stroller-accessible ramp.
Church members hope to complete the project so they can focus on serving the community.
“God is at work,” Sara Bogue said.