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07/11/06
Committee recommends Spurwink
Church foundation reconstruction
The foundation of the Spurwink Church, along with related stabilization and
drainage improvements, is among top priorities identified by the Spurwink
Church Study Committee for restoring and maintaining one of Cape Elizabeth's
most historic building.
After nearly a year of research, meetings and consultation with historic
and structural experts, the committee is recommending that the Town of Cape
Elizabeth retain ownership of the Spurwink Church, that the foundation of
the building be stabilized, along with other exterior and interior work,
and, that a committee be formed to raise the funds to pay for it.
"The committee’s focus is to maintain the structural integrity of the
church, the historical significance and the desire to conserve the charm
and character that has evolved for over 200 years," according to the committee's
report, accepted by the Town Council at their July 10 meeting.
Cost of the renovation plan, to be completed in three phases, is estimated
at $260,500. The major foundation work would be included in the first phase,
with exterior and interior work to be completed in the second and third phases.
The committee is also recommending a $225,000 endowment fund be established
for future capital needs, including a new roof anticipated in the next 20
years, repainting in the next 15 years, and a new furnace in the next 25
years.
The council will discuss the report at a workshop Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m., at
the Town Hall.
The committee was formed in February to review recommendations for sustaining
the building, outlined in a study submitted by Pinkham & Greer engineers
in 2003.
The nine-member committee met with a preservation consultant, John Leeke
of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, to tie the engineering needs
of the building in with its historical perspective, Assistant Town Manager
Debra Lane told members of the Town council. "We wanted to preserve the facility
as it is," Lane said.
The building is the oldest structure in Cape Elizabeth and is on the National
Register of Historic places. It is a popular site for weddings, christenings,
memorial services and funerals, and stands at the entry way of the Riverside
Memorial Cemetery. It has been owned by the town since 1957.
The original meeting house was first constructed in 1802, torn down, and
reconstructed in 1834. In 1894 the building was placed on a new foundation
and cellar, according to the committee's report.
The full report is available for review at Town Hall. Lane said that as the
committee's work underscored the importance of maintaining accurate historical
records, not only of the original church, but of subsequent renovations.
The report includes numerous photographs and attachments. "We felt that was
important for folks looking back," Lane told the council. Part of the recommended
budget for restoration includes funding for photographs and documentation.
In a cover letter to the report, committee chairmen Darren McLellan and Bruce
Munger summarized their primary recommendations:
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Slightly raising the elevation of the church to level the structure and to
provide for better drainage. Currently, the sills on the Route 77 side of
the church are in contact with the soil.
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Construction of a permanent foundation with a laid-stone veneer. This will
aid in leveling the structure and will allow for a better foundation under
the entry vestibule and steeple.
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Thorough analyses of the exterior finish to preserve the historically significant
fabric, while giving the highest quality finish possible.
A number of improvements were made in 1982 with publicly donated funds, according
to the committee's report, and the committee does not foresee public financing
for any of the three phases proposed for the project.
Fortunately, said Lane, the structure does not pose a safety threat. Improvements
do not have to be made immediately, she said, but they should happen soon.
She said she felt the most important component of the committee's recommendation
is the fund-raising.
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