Boilers play a vital role in churches by providing essential heating during services, gatherings, and events, ensuring the comfort and well-being of worshippers, especially in colder climates or during winter months. In 2023, several United Churches encountered boilers that broke down unexpectedly. During times of urgent building repairs, grants like Faithful Footprints make a significant difference by alleviating anxiety about funding necessary upgrades and renovations, ensuring that churches can continue to serve their communities effectively.
Nearing the end
Despite having undergone repairs to their existing boilers in 2022, Glenwood United Church in Windsor, ON, faced the harsh reality when they were informed that their units were rapidly approaching the end of their 25-year lifespan, with spare parts becoming increasingly scarce. Operating at a mere 68%-72% efficiency, the two boilers servicing the sanctuary demanded attention. Despite ongoing fundraising efforts over the past three years and a current special appeal for the boilers, the sudden urgency to replace the boilers created a sense of urgency. In response, the church sought to secure sufficient funds to cover the project's cost post-installation.
Recognizing the need for repair, Rev. Catherine Collins Barker introduced the Faithful Footprints program to the property committee, which voted to pursue funding for the boiler replacement. This financial support would help fund the installation of high-mid efficiency (91%) gas-powered hot water boilers with a life expectancy of 20-30 years, ensuring continued comfort and functionality for the congregation while also reducing environmental impact.
“By replacing the boiler in the summer, we would minimize the impact of a possible failure during the critical heating months for the congregants.” Rev. Dr. Catherine Collins-Barker.
Quick Turnaround
With the clock ticking, the community at Glenwood United sprang into action to prepare for the boiler replacement. While the application was sent off, the community at Glenwood United made every effort to prepare for the replacement.
Congregants working on the project obtained multiple quotes from reputable contractors and diligently reviewed equipment bids to ensure that fair pricing was received for products that would have a long operating life. Despite challenges, including unexpected costs and revised timelines, the community remained resilient.
“We contacted three plumbing companies for quotes, and because of lower costs and prior experience, we opted for RFG plumbing. On July 5th, 2023, RFG replaced our gas water heater with an electric one; which was one of the items in the grant application. At about that time, RFG estimated that delivery of the boilers would take 6 to 10 weeks. Shortly after, they came back with a revised estimate of 2 weeks” Bob Pickle, Property Chair at Glenwood United, “We told them that we would not have the money that soon. They advised that if we could pay another $7000, they would install one boiler and we could have the second one installed whenever we had the money. This was paid and one boiler was installed in July. It was hoped that the balance required for the second boiler could be raised before the fall heating season began.”
A Timely Rescue
In the nick of time, just in time before the fall, Glenwood United received the much-needed Faithful Footprints grant. The church had the contractor immediately install the second boiler, securing the church's heating system for the upcoming seasons.
Faithful Footprints Program
The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints program offers inspiration, tools, and grants to help its faith communities reduce their carbon footprint. With the Church’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2030, this one-of-a-kind program offers up to $30,000 in grants towards energy conservation and renewable energy projects (conditions apply).
Faith & the Common Good is the delivery partner for the Faithful Footprints program. To date, we have engaged over 400 congregations, camps, and buildings across the country. Your participation in the program puts your faith into action and helps the Church reach its target.