Keeping a Historic Church on Par with Modern Environmental Ideals
Nestled in the progressive community of Concord, Mass., West Concord Union Church was founded in 1891 to serve as a “Union” bringing together Protestants of every denomination. This Open & Affirming church is currently known for its focus on addressing homelessness, racism, and environmental challenges.
Today, WCUC has more than established a strong commitment to meaningful community service. Whether it’s hosting groups like Alcoholics Anonymous for no charge or supporting nonprofits like Communities 4 Restorative Justice, the congregation strongly supports a range of social justice causes – including committing itself to a carbon-neutral future.
This is where the historic nature of this church met the realities of present-day environmental ideals.
The Calling
At odds with WCUC’s environmental initiatives is an aging HVAC system that’s operated by an oil-fired steam boiler. During each of the past seven years, the church reported that the average maintenance costs of the current HVAC system has been more than $19,000 in addition to $15,000 in fuel oil costs. If that’s not costly enough, consider the environmental impact of over 70 tons of annual carbon dioxide emissions.
This is the environmental and financial challenge that prompted the church’s planning team to collaborate with a local engineering design firm and utility stakeholders about constructing new HVAC infrastructure throughout the church facilities.
While it was easy to get behind the idea of mitigating these financial and environmental costs, figuring out how to finance it was a different story. With a total project cost of $1.3 million for the HVAC construction, WCUC was prompted to look outside of the congregation for the necessary financial solutions.
God Math
“I am assured that this financial investment will assist them in their building upgrading project, enhancing their ability to have improved facilities to live into their mission as a relevant faith community in their area”
– Southern New England Conference Minster Rev. Darrell L. Goodwin said of WCUC’s partnership with the Cornerstone Fund
Cornerstone Fund’s Creation Care loan, which comes with a reduced interest rate for a portion of the loan for the first three years, is being put to work to finance the new HVAC project’s $1.3 million price tag.
Thanks to effective capital campaign funds, revenue from various church tenants, and notable property assets, WCUC is in a strong financial position to take on this transformative and cost-effective loan.
