An effort to restore the foundation of the Bolinas Calvary Presbyterian Church is underway, and the members of the church’s leadership want to remind Bolinas that the building is available to all facets of the community, and not just as a place of worship. “I think the key is that this is about rallying the community together,” Ellen Baxter, the church’s pastor, said. “Yes, it’s a faith-based organization and Christianity is in its roots, but it’s so important in this community to be able to celebrate all walks of life.” One way the church has brought non-religious members together: its Easter Sunday photo last weekend that attracted over 70 people—a strong showing, considering the church’s membership is about a dozen. Gary “Pine Tree” Marseilles, a licensed contractor and church member, said he noticed in 2010 that the building’s foundation was in need of repair. He said beetles have destroyed the infrastructure, which dates back to the late 19th century. He has since halted the destruction by installing a support beam on the building’s weakest side. The church, built in 1871 near what’s now Gospel Flat Farm, was rolled into town on redwood logs in 1898. The current building features these same old-growth redwood logs, hand-hewn, along with old wooden pews and arching trusses. There are also “natural acoustics” and a stage that “has seen more than a few Christmas pageants and choir recitals,” wrote B.G. Bates, the fellowship’s oldest member, in a letter published in the Bolinas Hearsay News on Wednesday. Ms. Bates the church’s leadership aims to honor the church’s past while fortifying its future, and hopes to add a new kitchen, a balcony and an A.D.A.-compliant bathroom. “Our mission is to bring the building into the 21st century without losing its character from the 19th,” she said. Mr. Marseilles said a new foundation will cost between $80,000 to $120,000; fundraisers have so far hauled in just $10,000. “The building is hanging in there by the hair of its chinny-chin-chin,” he said. “We’ve been hoping to get this done for so long, and this year it seems like it’ll come together. We have good people contributing and we’re making a conscious effort to get the word out.” B.G. Bates, the fellowship’s longest serving member, said the church’s leadership aims to honor the church’s past while fortifying its future. “Our mission is to bring the building into the 21st century without losing its character from the 19th,” she said. Donations can be sent to Calvary Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 413, Bolinas, CA 94924. Hand-deliveries can be placed in a special collection box on Sunday mornings.
Bolinas Calvary Church seeking funds to restore historic foundation
