$362K in CPA funds was sought for Holy Angels Church

Upton held a Special Town Meeting on Sept. 3 in response to a citizen petition asking for Community Preservation Act funds to be used on the historic former Holy Angels Church at 3 Milford Street in Upton Center. There was one article on the warrant.

Historical Commission Chair Craig Weinfuss made a presentation at the Sept. 3 Special Town Meeting seeking funds to make repairs to the former Holy Angels Church. Source: Upton Community Television

The building was built in 1848 as a Unitarian Church. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is included in the Massachusetts Cultural Resource System. The town purchased it in 2017. 

The Special Town Meeting request was for $362,000 to perform immediate work on the roof, steeple, and exterior envelope of the building.  An additional $10,000 was requested to create a preservation restriction on the property. 

The Finance Committee said it did not support the article. 

The Community Preservation Committee and Historical Commission both recommended favorable action. 

Chairman of the Historical Commission Craig Weinfuss, who said he has been involved in the project for the past 15 years, made a 20-minute presentation.  

He said the Historical Commission’s responsibility “is to help protect and preserve Upton’s historic resources.” 

He explained the Special Town Meeting was called ahead of the town’s Fall Town Meeting “because of the concern that action may be needed sooner rather than later.” He said the Historical Commission is concerned that another heavy snow load this winter could cause the weakened roof to fail and that “another harsh winter could damage the building beyond repair.” 

He said the passing of the article would authorize repairs to the building, protect a historic asset from winter damage, and preserve the town’s options for the future of the building. 

“This decision before us is about stabilizing and protecting the building, it’s not a decision about the ultimate future use of the building,” which will be decided in the future by residents and the Select Board, he said. It would also not make the building move-in ready. 

He noted the CPC fund would have an available balance of $2.2 million in October. 

Select Board member Laura Hebb noted the requested funds exceed the current assessed value of the building which is $325,000. She said a 2025 Criterion evaluation report said the building is not structurally sound, and the expected cost, nearly two years ago, was “slightly over $3 million; that is to seal the envelope.” 

Hebb also made an impassioned plea to residents to be civil on social media when debating this issue, adding that she was “thoroughly disgusted” with the online exchanges. “Residents of Upton, we are better than that,” she said to a round of applause. 

After one hour of discussion, the question was moved. It failed with a vote of 141 in favor and 183 opposed. 

“For generations, this building has been an important landmark in our community. It contributes significantly to Upton’s sense of place and to the character that makes our downtown recognizable as a historic New England village.” 

~ Craig Weinfuss, Upton Historical Commission Chair

Sept. 3, 2026 Special Town Meeting 

A recording of the meeting can be found on Upton Community Television at www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcNsK8j2OJo .