[MassHistPres] CPA funding for historic churches

[Russel Feldman]

The city of Newton recently provided over $1.4 million for the structural repair of a stone spire, tower and belfry of the Grace Episcopal Church in Newton Corner.  As others have also said, the funds are supporting work on elements of the building that are non-religious in their function.  The CPC committee considered that the building contributed to the character of the community, and nothing in the grant would advance any specifically religious activity.
If you’re interested in more detail, here’s a link to a description of the project, with contact information with advocates for the project.
https://www.newtonma.gov/government/planning/community-preservation-program/proposals-projects/grace-episcopal-church-tower-restoration

Russel Feldman, AIA, NCARB | Principal Emeritus | TBA Architects, Inc.

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Ward Hamilton
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 2:28 PM
To: Jamie Webb <jwebb at easthamptonma.gov>
Cc: Masshistpres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] CPA funding for historic churches

Boston CPA has funded church projects since the ruling. Funds can't be used for ecclesiastical symbols. Typically that means stained glass windows but can also be carved stone friezes as in the case of First Baptist in Boston.


Ward Hamilton
Chairman
Melrose Historical Commission

On Wed, Feb 16, 2022, 11:02 AM Jamie Webb <jwebb at easthamptonma.gov<mailto:jwebb at easthamptonma.gov>> wrote:
Hi Betty, this sounds like a question that the Community Preservation Coalition would be best able to answer. Stuart Saginor <stuart.saginor at communitypreservation.org<mailto:stuart.saginor at communitypreservation.org>>, the executive director, is very knowledgeable and helpful. Alternatively, you could also browse the technical assistance section of their website: https://www.communitypreservation.org/technical-assistance#anchor_historic

Jamie Webb
Assistant Planner - City of Easthampton Planning Department
Please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State considers e-mail to be a public record subject to the provisions of the MA Public Records Law, MGL ch. 66.


On Wed, Feb 16, 2022 at 8:36 AM Betty Slade <dcolebslade at aol.com<mailto:dcolebslade at aol.com>> wrote:
My understanding is that some CPA communities are still able to give grants to churches despite the Supreme Court ruling.  There seem to be some purposes for which funding can be provided.

Could anyone give me examples of  such funding since the Supreme Court ruling?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Betty Slade
Chair, CPC, Westport


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