HADLEY — Before the month of September is over, the steeple atop the First Congregational Church will be lowered by a crane to the ground, the initial step in a long-planned project to renovate the deteriorating structure.
While the work to fix up the steeple and replace rotted beams below it is supported by town Community Preservation Act money, with $350,000 appropriated at annual Town Meeting in May, the church is holding a fundraising event Saturday in which a guest artist who travels the country will portray women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony.
“Failure is Impossible” is the title of Sheryl Faye’s one-woman show, beginning at 7 p.m. at the 102 Middle St. church. Faye’s “historical women” series includes performing as everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt and Queen Elizabeth II to Sally Ride and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The money raised at the event will go toward the church’s $50,000 share of the project.
The idea for inviting Faye came from church member Betty Thayer, who said she has seen the actress do some of the roles at the Hadley Senior Center. In this case, Thayer said it is also a tribute to the memory of her late husband, Walter. She is paying Faye’s commission so that all proceeds can go to the steeple project.
Admission is $20, with light refreshments to be available 6:30 p.m.
“People will not be disappointed in the presentation,” Thayer said
The talk is expected to last about an hour, with costume changes and props, with some interaction and questions from the audience, Thayer said.
“She really takes on the character. It will be very informal and very interesting,” Thayer said.
Attendees can pay by check, made out to the Steeple Restoration Project, or cash. Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event and payment can be accepted via Venmo and credit card. Advance tickets are available by calling the church office 413-584-4117.
The church was built in 1808 on West Street and moved to its current site in 1841, where it now forms part of a three-building historic complex with the Town Hall and the Hadley Farm Museum.
The steeple is exhibiting cracks and rot in the poles holding the steeple and the spire itself, with concerns that it could be in danger of falling if not addressed.
Below the steeple the church hopes to reinstall a functioning four-sided clock, which has previously been renovated.
Judy Parker, a member of the church, said the church already got money to enhance that 1909 Seth Thomas clock so that its faces will all show the correct time.