A costly situation

The sanctuary of the Congregational Church of Batavia is empty on Sunday mornings except for a massive scaffold that stands from floor to ceiling in front of the altar. The only sounds heard recently are not hymns, but the voices of workmen.

Just two and a half years after the congregation completed an 8,000-square-foot addition and had the sanctuary re-plastered, painted and air-conditioned, the church is facing several hundred thousand dollars in repairs. And this costly project wasn't planned.

"We have structural damage to our roof," explained the Rev. David Foxgrover, senior pastor. "The church could shift at any time, and it may not be safe. We're holding worship services in our fellowship hall."

The problem was originally diagnosed as a crack to one of four scissor trusses that hold up the roof of the 151-year-old sanctuary. But just last week, another engineering report revealed that the other three trusses are also damaged, possibly due to stress from the cracked one.

Earlier this year, congregation members became concerned about cracks that appeared in the relatively fresh plaster in the sanctuary. The work was less than two years old.

So when the church's facilities team discussed the need for a new roof, it was decided -- astutely as it turns out -- to have the upper sanctums examined by an engineer. The first examination was completed in April, and the engineer reported that one truss was cracked and the other three needed preventive maintenance.

But a more detailed examination was made possible when the emergency shoring of the roof was completed in mid-October. The problem is more pervasive than the first report indicated.

"A structural engineering firm found damage to the other three trusses as well," said Don Schneider, leader of the stewardship and finance team. "We're analyzing how to do the repair and we're working with a general contractor who has brought in a specialist in structural preservation."

Schneider won't have the final estimates for at least a week, and he doesn't know yet what will be covered by insurance.

"We're looking at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars which we haven't budgeted for. It's really a blow."

Work will not be completed until January, at the earliest.

Engineers believe the damage may have been caused by wind or snow, as it appears to be recent.

"It's sad to think we won't have our Christmas services in the sanctuary," Schneider said. "But we're blessed to have Paxton Hall, which is part of our new addition."

The church has been a part of downtown Batavia for many years. The original building at 21 S. Batavia Ave. was constructed in 1856. The exterior walls are 2 feet deep and made of limestone from the local Batavia quarry.

When the church added on in 2005, care was taken to give the exterior of the new addition a look that would compliment the Batavia Public Library that stands directly across Batavia Avenue, (Route 31).

Foxgrover, senior pastor since 1990, is well aware of the church's importance in Batavia's history, but preservation is not his priority. The current troubles have prompted him to recall discussions he had with members years ago.

"When I came here in 1990 I asked our members if they wanted to stay in this building, or move west," Foxgrover said. "This was when Randall Road was expanding.

"The response to stay was overwhelming. Members liked the location and didn't want to neglect the people on the east side. But we're not the Batavia historical society. My goal is to have a vibrant, Christian ministry here."

Schneider said the church has been trying to bolster a repair fund for years, as the limestone is eroding and the stained glass windows need attention. But the roof will have to get priority.

The congregation has established a "Save the Trusses" fund.

For information, call the church at (630) 879-1999.