What's going on at Wisconsin & Volta?
Once in a generation historic restoration and repair work on our landmark church building at the heart of Georgetown.
Maybe you’re wondering . . .
What’s going on? The last phase of exterior renovation and repair that opens new sustainable, accessible community space (our new plaza) and beautifully renews our landmark church building. Learn more about our project at GeorgetownLutheran.com/restore.
What are we doing? This last phase of work includes restoring our bell tower to its original 1914 appearance, reopening the louvers. Structural repairs are underway to prevent water damage to the sanctuary interior.
Will there be bells in the tower? No, we have no plans for bells or chimes at this time. Decades ago there were electric chimes, which we’ve removed. The historic bell (that once sat in the stone structure outside) has been restored and is inside on display.
When will the work be finished? February is the scheduled finish date. Like many Georgetown homes and buildings, historic structures often have surprises that expand the project scope, as we’ve experienced. We need your help to put us over the finish line and faithfully restore and beautify for generations to come. Your tax-deductible donation to “People for the Steeple” will go 100% toward these restoration projects. Give online today at GeorgetownLutheran.com/give.
An invitation for a once in a lifetime view & tour
Our pictures don’t do it justice (we were focused on the repair work) but the scaffold high over our bell tower has the most incredible view of our beloved Georgetown. So when we’ve been up there, we thought of you - and want to invite you, neighbors and friends who join us with a donation to this “People for the Steeple” campaign - to join us for this special view and a history tour for those interested.
It is truly a once in a lifetime view and opportunity. Come learn from and support Georgetown’s oldest congregation, founded 1769 here on this corner. We’re proud to be your neighbor and a community partner that serves and shares. This restoration and renovation work has come a long way to improve our corner: we’re proud of it and want to celebrate it with you.
Click here to register your RSVP/interest to join us for the view and tour, this Sunday, January 19!
We'll welcome small groups escorted up the scaffolding pointing out architectural and interesting history along the way. Wear sturdy shoes and bundle up as needed, but know that the scaffold is very safe and easy to ascend: five or so ladder rungs at the start lead you to a secure, five story fully enclosed with full regular staircases and railings throughout. Then join us in the church for some light refreshments and more history, art, and architecture to see and learn about as you're interested!
Project Lead Charles Bushman, Pastor Brett Wilson, GLC President, Mark Robbins - Questions? Want to connect? Contact: office@georgetownlutheran.com
We need your support to make these projects a reality!
All gifts are 100% tax deductible, as GLC is a 501(c)3 organization
Any dollar amount - choose designation to "People for the Steeple Capital Campaign"
When you're ready to make your gift, here's how:
Mail/deliver checks made out to Georgetown Lutheran Church, with People for the Steeple clearly designated in the memo line. Mail to: Georgetown Lutheran Church, 1556 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Give securely online here.
Contact our Financial Secretary (glcfinancialsecretary@gmail.com), if you have any questions. They'd be happy to discuss donation or help you with any questions. They are also your contact if you'd like to consider a gift of appreciated securities/stock, another method, or might be interested in making a challenge gift for matching (or something else creative).
Does your workplace or other organization offer a corporate or other matching program? Your gift may be eligible, since we are a non-profit and this campaign is for infrastructure and community service, not directly religious purposes.
It’s time to celebrate and update you on our “People for the Steeple” restoration and renovation projects, and invite your help.
In 2024 we:
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Repaired the bell tower steps and installed a new, accessible “plaza,” a permeable paved area that solves stormwater issues, thanks to a grant partnership with Anacostia Watershed Society.
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Created accessible, no-step entrances into the building and access to plaza with new walkways.
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(Added to project scope) installed an irrigation system for sustainable care of our garden.
Were awarded a grant ($15,000) from our Metro DC Synod for the accessibility projects supporting energized community use.
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Reached our People for the Steeple goal of raising $150,000 toward these projects.
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Renovated our church restrooms with sweat equity from church members.
Looking Ahead
We’re in the last phase of our People for the Steeple projects, which includes restoring our bell tower to its historic appearance and making needed mortar/roof repairs on the south sanctuary wall. We knew this would be a significant and costly portion of the work; therefore we worked on securing a grant from the DC Preservation League early in the process, which offsets some of these project costs.
However, as work began we discovered issues that required us to expand the project scope. Our council and property/project leaders have decided to move forward with these critical repairs while we have the scaffolding up. Our council decided that if needed we’ll use up the intended remaining cushion in our building fund to achieve these projects, which should last for decades. These change orders add approximately $50,000.
The remaining work includes:
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Bell tower restoration, including reopening the louvers, removing electric chimes, mortar repair, moisture mitigation and repairs in tower interior.
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Mortar and roof edge work on the south sanctuary wall and repairs to solve leaks/moisture damage over Luther rose window.
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(Added:) Replace 25 custom, metal clad louvers which (surprise!) had circular holes to accommodate chimes.
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(Added:) Replacement of bell tower roof hip beams and underlayment to repair and seal.
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(Added:) Sealing of bell tower gutter pan where it meets the stone.
Our project timeline may now push into early February. The aim is to finish before our scaffolding rental ends in mid-February (after which we incur additional costs). This will complete our People for the Steeple projects, conceived during planning for our 250th anniversary and an incredible accomplishment! All of these improvements support our mission to be an accessible, welcoming church that cares and shares with our neighbors. By thoughtfully restoring our historic building we’re being good stewards of God’s church for all before and after us, as well as for the environment and wider community.
Thank you for your gifts that have made this possible. What once seemed like quite a reach, together God has led us to achieve. Now, we’ve got one last push. All who have already contributed to this effort, thank you – we hope you take pride in what we’ve achieved. Those who have not yet given, or are able to help more, we invite you to join us now as “People for the Steeple” and put us over the finish line. To complete these projects and restore a cushion to our building fund, we’re aiming to raise an additional $60,000. Can you help us by supporting up to 1 percent of that goal? Ways to support:
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Make a one-time donation online or by check.
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Set up a recurring online donation for the coming months/year.
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Consider a gift of stock or other method – contact glcfinancialsecretary@gmail.com to discuss.
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Invite friends, family and neighbors to donate.
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Help efforts to educate and encourage neighbors to financially support People for the Steeple.