Harvard Historical Society Completes Balustrade Restoration

On Monday, August 26, the Harvard Historical Society celebrated the successful completion of a major restoration project with the installation of a newly reconstructed balustrade atop the belfry of the 1832 Baptist Church in Still River. This historic church, now the home of the Historical Society, had seen its original balustrade deteriorate over time, posing a safety risk.

The restoration, managed by Mike Moran Painters, was funded through donations from members, private citizens, and grants from Freedom’s Way and the 1772 Foundation via Preservation Massachusetts, thanks to an application by society president Steve Abrams.

The project faced a challenge when Moran discovered that the remaining old balustrade pieces could not be assembled on-site due to structural issues. Consequently, he assembled the balustrade on the ground, and the crane work was generously provided by Tom Evarts of Yankee Steeplejack Company in Harvard, using Cavelier Crane Service.

Severely deteriorated balustrade before restoration—this feature of the historic belfry had become a significant safety hazard.

Past president Denis Wagner praised the support from Evarts, who described the contribution as a meaningful way to give back to the community. The restored balustrade not only enhances the church’s historic character but also ensures safety, aligning with its National Historic Register listing.