An update from the rector & wardens
First, we are thrilled to report that all pledges for the bell tower have been paid, with the exception of two that had to revise their amount or timeline. From your pledges and one-time gifts (some from visitors to the open doors or to Sunday services, and others from friends near and far) we have raised a total of $276,282. This is a remarkable accomplishment! Thank you very much.
And now for more challenging news…
We had hoped to remove the scaffolding from Fifth Avenue and complete our repairs on the tower by Ascension Day, May 9. Unfortunately, unforeseen issues have extended our timeline. During the repairs, our team discovered that the tension rods inside the tower—critical components that help maintain the structure’s integrity—had significantly rusted and now require replacement.
This issue has introduced a complex challenge: the metal “stars” that secure the rods must be custom cast to meet the stringent specifications of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. We are pleased to report that these stars are now being fabricated and we anticipate soon restoring our beloved tower and garden to their former glory.
However, this unexpected complication has led to additional costs, primarily from extended scaffold rental. There are also cost overruns from the original project. Thanks to the generous support of the Manton Foundation, the de Forest Foundation and the Hyde and Watson Foundation, we have made significant progress, but the financial burden is substantial, estimated around $100,000.
We are reaching out to our community for assistance. If you have not yet pledged to the tower, of if you are able to increase your contribution, it would greatly help us manage these unexpected expenses. For check payments, kindly reference “Tower Brownstone” in the memo line. [Or choose the “Tower Brownstone” fund from the online giving form.] We are so grateful for your generosity, support and understanding during this critical time!
We look forward soon to blessing the restored (and safe) tower, enjoying our garden and welcoming our neighbors into our newly hospitable space.
— Mother Liz, Isabel Spencer and Steve Hubbard
for the Buildings and Grounds Committee
I write with news of a challenge and an opportunity.
For several years the Buildings and Grounds committee has been concerned about our tower brownstone. A conditions survey done in 2021 reported that urgent repairs are needed to restore both masonry and copings (blocks) of the tower. In other words, work is needed to ensure the continued safety of our parishioners and our extended community.
The survey divided the work into three phases, roughly from the top of the tower to the bottom. Phase One is the most urgent at a cost of $250,000.
I am delighted to announce that we have received funding for this initial work, including a very generous grant of $200,000 from the Manton Foundation and $47,500 from the Diocese of New York. This work will begin early 2023, and it is a huge relief to know we can proceed.
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In addition, the Manton Foundation awarded us a second, challenge grant to help fund the second phase of the work. This phase will cost approximately $400,000 and will make further critical repairs to the tower brownstone.
The challenge grant will match dollar for dollar what we at Ascension can raise, up to an additional $200,000. To qualify for the match, we must have $200,000 in pledges by the end of 2023. To pay our bills, we ask that pledges be paid by April 1, 2024. If you would like to pledge at a higher level but cannot pay the full amount by that date, please contact the wardens or me.
If we are able to do the Phase Two work, we will finish the highest parts of the tower and the phases requiring expensive scaffolding — a huge savings. Most of all, we will address safety concerns for parishioners and visitors to our sanctuary and gardens, securing our spaces for the future work of mission.
Will you join me and rise to the challenge? We need to raise $200,000! I ask every parishioner to give something as you are able, to help secure our building — and our ministry — for the next generation. I am deeply grateful to the Manton Foundation for their wonderful support.
To be clear, we are asking for a pledge separate from, and in addition to, your pledge to our annual budget. We normally would not do this in the midst of our pledge drive, but both the urgency of the need and the generosity of the matching gift make this the right time.
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You can make your confidential pledge by emailing me at the parish office or by using the form at right. Payments can be made by check payable to the Church of the Ascension (remember to put “Tower Brownstone” in the memo line) or online.
Feel free to reach out to the wardens or me if you have any questions about the tower project or the matching grant!
Please pray that we will be able to care for our building in order to care for our community. As you pray, ask how you are called to help. And say a prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings and opportunities God is giving to us at Ascension as we undertake the restoration of our tower.
I believe we can do this!
In gratitude and hope,
The Rev. Elizabeth Maxwell, Rector
