By Jonathan L'Ecuyer, Staff Writer
ROCKPORT - For years, worshippers at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport feared one of their church's several cracking, rattling and drafty sanctuary windows might one day shatter, showering glass shards over people in the pews below.
Those fears have been put to rest with the installation of new windows. The replacement of the deteriorating windows was made possible by additional funding provided to the society by Rockport voters, who at 2006 Town Meeting approved a $38,000 donation to the historic Cleaves Street building from the Community Preservation Fund.
Replacing the original windows in the historic 1821 church was the final step of a multiyear restoration project.
"The windows are the culmination of a very long building program undertaken when I was the president of the church," said Amy Shapiro of Gloucester, a longtime member of the church and current chairwoman of its music and communication committees. "I've noticed a difference in the building's acoustics and the overall sense of well-being, not hearing the rattling or wondering where one could go if the cracked glass went."
With the work completed last month, church officials had planned to thank the town of Rockport with a reception open to all residents, but plans for the Dec. 16 event had to be put on hold when a snowstorm hit that day. A makeup date has not been set.
The Rev. Kathy Reis, the pastor, said the congregation had previously raised close to $100,000 to pay for repairs and restoration but turned to the community for help to purchase the "accurate and expensive period windows" mandated by the Rockport Historic District Committee.
"We are so thankful that the voters at Rockport Town Meeting helped us with this last part of our renovation," Reis said. "Not only are the new windows beautiful and accurate in terms of the building's architecture, but there's a practical consideration as well. The old windows showed every minute of their age - more than 180 years - and were practically falling out of their frames."
Shapiro, a congregation member since 1984, said the windows provide better security and acoustics and conserve energy.
"Every winter I've pictured heating dollars flying out through the cracks," Reis said. "Now, we're looking forward to a much cozier and less expensive winter."
Reader Box
Church member Amy Shapiro of Gloucester was so inspired by the town's generosity and the windows it provided, she wrote a poem that was included in a reception invitation sent to Rockport town officials.
'Twas early December and all through the church,
No window frames rattle - wow, this is a first!
New windows were hung by good workers with care
In hopes that no drafts would again be there.
Now as cold days set in, we are cozy within,
And no longer fear the day winter will begin!
With insulated glass, to our wandering eyes appear
The fine beauty of Rockport, be it rain, snow or clear.
Be it for concerts or services, weddings and more,
We are proud to welcome visitors through the door.
We hope you will join us in a heartfelt celebration
Of the joint effort it took, and much dedication.
All town folks are invited, throughout Rockport!
To a "Thank YOU Reception" for your vital support!
