Update to Parish, April 2026
Our parish completed the pledging portion of our Renewing the Gift Capital Campaign in September 2022. Here is an update on the status of the campaign projects.
Our goal was to raise $720,000; St. Andrew’s Congregation pledged $855,000, $807,000 of which has been received. Thanks to all of you who are participating, and thanks be to God!
Our Capital Campaign is racing toward a strong finish in 2026. In previous years, we completed the repairs of our nave roof (and are steadily paying off the Diocesan loan), restored our stained-glass windows, fully insulated our buildings, and sent a Campaign Tithe of $72,000 to six New Hampshire nonprofit organizations.
In 2025 there was a lot of Capital Campaign action: we installed solar panels on our roofs -- our contribution to climate reconciliation, as well as significantly reducing our electric bill (we are eligible for a $45,000 Federal Tax Credit for this project, and are in process to realize that); our worship space was renovated to improve access; our historic communion kneelers received a full renovation; we installed a new audio/visual system for the Nave and for online worship (not originally part of the envisioned campaign, but added later by the Vestry); in addition, our clear glass windows were reconditioned and weatherproofed.
In 2026, We are hoping to wrap up the final three projects.
We are working to ensure that a newly renovated organ, with broader musical capabilities, will be installed, as scheduled, in August.
For more than three years, the Front Landscaping and Accessibility Committee (FLAC) have been working tirelessly on realizing our campaign dream of a more accessible, safer, and more inviting entrance to our church. Hopefully, this will be done this year!
Finally, the funds remaining unspent after completion of the organ and FLAC projects will be used for a Building Capital Improvements Fund.
A word on expenses: many of these projects cost more than originally forecasted, due to underestimates of costs and rising prices of materials and labor since 2021, when the campaign was conceived. We have been able to cover these costs because we raised more than our target (thank you again), the Vestry has wisely apportioned funds, and our Treasures and Financial committee have wisely managed our funds -- we have earned approximately $24,000 in interest on funds “waiting” to be allocated.
The work of implementing the plans for these projects has been very time-consuming for numerous parishioners, some working for years. These improvements to St. Andrew’s space and neighborhood are gifts to our children, future parishioners, and to God.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Renewing the Gift Campaign; for your faith in your fellow parishioners to carry out the projects, and your faithfulness in fulfilling your commitments.
Fred Briccetti, Campaign co-Chair and Senior Warden
