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Who are the Friends of First Church Berkeley?
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| We are a non-profit, non-denominational volunteer organization dedicated to assist |
| First Church of Christ, Scientist, Berkeley, |
| with the restoration and preservation of its building |
| (a National Historic Landmark designed by Bernard Maybeck), |
| and with education about its architecture and history. |
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| Photos Courtesy of Nancy Reynolds |
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| We are reaching out beyond the members of the church |
| to interested members of the community, and all who |
| love the church building, wherever they reside, to ask |
| for their help. |
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Why is Help Needed?
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The church was built in 1910.
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Restoration and preservation are needed
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now to protect its future.
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A new roof is badly needed.
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The Sunday School needs seismic work.
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Repair of spalling concrete
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and waterproofing of windows
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and doors is also needed.
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Photo Courtesy First Church Christ Scientists, Berkeley |
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| Photo Courtesy of Nancy Reynolds |
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| We Have Begun |
| Replacement of the leaking and overaged roof of the 1910 church - the Auditorium, Fireplace Room, and South Hall - is well underway, along with needed seismic strengthening. (See photo slide show of seismic work.) A "Save America's Treasures" matching grant administered by the National Park Service was awarded to the Friends for this work in Fall, 2005. Many generous Friends have contributed to raise the match, although more funds are still needed. A Getty Foundation Architectural Conservation Implementation matching grant has recently been awarded to the Friends for additional seismic work in the 1910 building and roof and seismic work in the 1929 Sunday School addition. Also, in November the Friends received a generous grant from the "Partners in Preservation" program in which the public voted on-line for their favorite of 25 Bay Area preservation sites. (The Church came in first place in the popular vote! |
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| Thank You! |
| Thank you to all who voted for us on-line in the "Partners in Preservation" campaign! We also thank American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for sponsoring this innovative program and for awarding us a generous preservation grant. Also, "Thank You" to the many generous donors who are helping us to match our two major matching grants. We are very grateful to the National Park Service who administers the "Save American Treasures" grant, and to the Getty Foundation for the "Architectural Conservation Implementation" Grant. With all the help we have received, we have raised 2/3rds of the $2 million needed for preservation. Please help us finish the job. |
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| Then What? |
| Fund raising to complete the preservation must continue to be the Friends' top priority for the next year, but sharing the beauty of the Church with the public and education about its architecture is also a major part of our mission. Nearly 1,000 people visit the Church yearly on tours or at events other than religious services. In addition to our monthly Free Architectural Tour, many college classes, museum groups, architects, Maybeck scholars, and tourists arrange tours. When the major construction is completed, we can again hold benefit concerts and host speakers. It is a joy for us to share the beauty of the Church with others. |
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| If you are interested in being a part of this rewarding |
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| or call (510) 849-4347 OR (925) 376-3908 |
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The church invites you to a free architectural tour on the First Sunday of every month.
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Tours start at 12:15 and last about 45 minutes.
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Save this site address for future visits. We will offer architectural talks, lectures, and tours of the church.
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| The contents of this website - photos and text are protected. Copyright 2008© Friends of First Church |
