Church starts long-awaited repairs

WINSTED — The congregation of the United Methodist Church decided to proceed with the first stage of replacing the roof on its historic building located on 630 Main St.

According to the Rev. Florence Eddins, initial work is set to begin in the next couple weeks and will address immediate roof needs, including repairs to the steeples and areas that are presently leaking.

The congregation started to raise funds for repairs in the spring and have successfully raised the $29,000 necessary for the first part of the roof replacement.

The church building was dedicated in 1904, and the roof has been an issue for the congregation for some time. 

According to Eddins, inspectors have stated it should have been replaced years ago, but because of financial constraints, it was patched.

Eddins said that an entirely new roof that will cost the church between $66,000 and well over $100,000.

The first phase of the repairs will fix the roof for the winter season. The congregation will determine how they want to proceed with repairs in the spring.

Eddins said the church has received donations ranging from $10 checks to a few over $1,000.

“We have deep gratitude for the generosity that has made it possible to make the roof winter-worthy,” Eddins said. “Our congregation has been shown the huge, generous heart of the greater Winsted community, and we give thanks for the outpouring of interest, concern, and support.”

The goal for the church is to complete the roof replacement by next year.

The church is also home to a twice-weekly food pantry, meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, a weekly thrift shop, bible study and monthly dinners during the warmer months. 

Anyone interested in supporting the roof project can send a check to the Winsted United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 380, Winsted, CT 06098.