Tiny Church Faces
Big Repair Bill
By Sara Nelson

The Congregatonal Church in Royalton looks just about perfect for a New England church. The steeple, however, needs $60,000 in repairs. (Herald / Tim Calabro)

The First Congregational Church of Royalton is facing some tough math.

Contractors say it will cost $65,000 to repair the historic building’s 130-year old steeple, which needs structural reinforcement, new roofing and shingles, repainting, and clapboard repair.

The congregation members number 30.

They have been working to come up with the money since 2005, holding food sales, a yard sale, and securing two matching grants from the state. Last week, a mass mailing seeking donations went out to residents of Royalton, and this week the Save Our Steeple committee was scheduled to meet with a representative from the state for advice on fundraising strategies.

Betty Frary, a member of the committee, said that so far, the church has raised about half of the money, and has about $29,000 to go.

She’s hoping a portion of this will be raised at an Advent organ recital, to be held this Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m.

Six noted organists from area churches will play classical pieces and Christmas carols during the hour-long program. There will be no admission fee, but free will donations will benefit the Save Our Steeple fund.

Carol Jones, the church organist and organizer of the recital, said that both of the church’s two historical organs, an 1882 tracker pipe organ, and a 1773 reed organ, will be played.

"The contrast in tone of these organs is easy to distinguish," she said.

People who would like to support the steeple repair, but who are unable to attend the recital, may send donations to the First Congregational Church of Royalton, P.O. Box 804, South Royalton, VT, 05068.