PETERSHAM — An event to raise funds for the repair of the steeple of the Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church has been organized. The Quabbin Woods Restaurant will host the “Aiming High To Repair the Steeple” spaghetti supper, Friday, April 5, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Money raised will support the church Steeple Repair Fund. The meal includes spaghetti with marinara (vegetarian), Italian meatballs and sweet italian sausage, garlic bread, garden salad, applesauce cake with buttercream frosting.
The 190-year-old church is in need of a variety of repairs, said Mark Vanscoy, a member of the church’s board of trustees.
“There are a few things that need doing,” he said. “In the steeple, we need to replace some supports, fix the shutters, do some painting. There’s a little bit of roof work that needs to be done around the base of the steeple. We are getting some leaks.”
Vanscoy said the entire cost of refurbishing the steeple has been pegged at around $27,500.
“Just within the church,” he said, “we’ve raised $10,000. We began our capital campaign in November. The supper is a part of that. We’re also applying for some historic preservation grants through private foundations.” He noted the steeple hasn’t been done in more than 30 years.
Vanscoy also said the weathervane atop the steeple will be restored and the steeple itself re-shingled.
The restoration of the steeple, expected to begin in late July or early August, will be undertaken by Historic Restoration and Steeplejacks of Warwick, RI, according to Vanscoy.
The Orthodox Congregational Society of Petersham was created in 1823, when its members split from the town’s original Congregational Church. Vanscoy said he was uncertain what precipitated the split. Its members met in private homes for a number of years until the current church was erected in 1829.
In 1845, a bell cast by G.H. Holbrook of Medway, Mass. was installed in the steeple.
Unlike many mainline Christian churches in smaller communities, the Orthodox Congregational Church of Petersham has been able to maintain an independent congregation. The church is led by Rev. David Purdy, who lives in Worcester. Purdy served the church previously, but left for another opportunity before returning to Petersham three years ago.
The cost of the Friday’s supper is $10 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. Quabbin Woods restaurant is located at 8 Barre Road in Petersham.