We are now in the process of launching a capital campaign to help us restore and rebuild our bell tower that is showing signs of deterioration. The bell tower is the most critical item to get repaired at this time because it has displaced masonry at several locations. Worse than what you can see, is the amount of rain and water damage that is in the backup wythes of masonry. What we discovered in Phase 1 of the masonry repairs, is that the masonry backup at these locations are constantly getting washed out from rain and getting displaced from the freeze thaw. This is highly destabilizing to the tower itself, and if left alone would lead to total collapse. Fully repairing the tower is vital to the longevity and safety of the building with the programs that are currently offered to the community within it. 

The speed at which the tower will lose integrity will increase every year that it’s left alone, as will the cost to rebuild this part of the historic building. The main goal of this project is to repair the most critical areas and repoint all of the masonry on the tower to be stable and secure again. With repairing the tower, it will ensure the lifespan of this beautiful historic property that has now become an essential  hub within the community. Every year the Dream Center serves over 9,000 people through its various programs including serving 4,964 hot meals last year, and having 19,864 visits to our food pantry. 

With the structural repairs completed on the bell tower, we would then be able to take the next step to see what would be needed to restore the bell that is within it. Having the historic bell ring again within Morningside would bring back a piece of the community’s history from over 100 years ago. Morningside has such an incredibly rich history and we want to do our part to preserve it as much as we can. 

The amount to restore and repair the bell tower is $390,000.00. We have applied for a grant to help fundraise part of this project but are in need of partners to help bring this complete restoration to completion. Any amount would be greatly appreciated! To join us in this part of the project, all donations are tax-deductible and can be made securely here: https://pushpay.com/g/berkshiredreamcenter?lang=en. Please just select “Bell Tower Restoration” from the drop down menu.

Thank you for your giving!