As presented in our February report on the building project, the Project Management Team has been working closely with our architect, engineers and Owner’s Project Manager to fully understand the scope of work needed to proceed with of the Mass. Ave Building Project as anticipated. What we have learned in this process is that the construction cost estimates for this and future phases entail significant additional costs that must be factored into a realistic total project cost. We have reached the conclusion that the projected costs will be challenging for First Parish to undertake with our initial fundraising plans for the project.

The preservation, renovation and restoration of the Meetinghouse continues to be the focus of our efforts to proceed enthusiastically with a re-imagined approach to accomplishing these shared goals. As stated last month, the bottom line is that we have a very good master plan for the exterior restoration of the Meetinghouse. We have invested wisely in planning for the Mass Ave Project which is a high priority in this effort. At the same time, we have recognized that relying on outside support for this investment in our building necessitates a community-based approach to planning for the multi-purpose use of a publicly accessible building that meets needs beyond our own use. On Sunday, March 13th at 4 pm, the Project Management Team invites congregants to participate in an informational meeting to review project status and to discuss our recommendations for next steps. It is important for the congregation to continue to be engaged in co-creating a broader vision for the Meetinghouse. We have come a long way in seeing what an accessible Meetinghouse could mean for our congregation and the larger community.

Now that we are all learning how to adapt to living with Covid, we have the opportunity to re-envision how this new reality will affect our future. Will we use this time of deep reflection in our own personal lives to also reflect on what First Parish can be and what this historic place can contribute to our community as we look ahead? We hope to see you on March 13 th to hear from you.

To view a recording of the March 13 meeting, please contact Director of Administration, Carol Lewis for the link to the video.