State sends $75K for First Baptist Church’s steeple

By Aimee Chiavaroli / achiavaroli@s-t.com
Posted Sep 10, 2018 at 5:46 PM
WHALE’s First Baptist Church project was awarded an emergency grant for $75,000 by William Galvin, secretary of state.
Teri Bernert, executive director of the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE), said the organization applied for emergency funding a few weeks ago when it found out more work was needed for the project, and therefore more money.
About a month ago, WHALE learned it would have to change construction plans for the church because of rotting wooden corner posts supporting the steeple, so a crane will have to remove the steeple where it will be stored in the parking lot until repairs are complete.
Bernert has told The Standard-Times that WHALE raised $100,000 through public donations, but the hope was to double that.
The organization reached out to state Sen. Mark Montigny, state Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral, Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office and the New Bedford Historical Commission who made phone calls to Galvin’s office, Bernert said.
“Without them, we wouldn’t have gotten the funding,” she said.
“First Baptist is an absolute treasure with national significance,” Montigny said in a news release. “Secretary Galvin clearly understands this significance along with the emergency safety hazard presented. The funding we secured today will make sure this historic gem is preserved for generations to come.”
“We’re still a little short, but we’re going to move forward and keep applying for funds and keep working on our capital campaign, but it’s important that we keep the project moving,” Bernert said. The group hopes to complete the exterior before bad weather hits, if possible.
Original story here.