• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Contact
    • Employment
    • Philanthropy Center
    • Milestones
    • News & Media
      • Recent News
      • News Archive
      • Publications
      • Northern New York Community Podcast
  • Donors
    • Donate Online
    • Gift Information “At A Glance”
    • Making A Gift
    • Top 10 Things You Can Do To Leave A Legacy
    • NNYCF vs. A Private Foundation
    • FAQs
    • Investment Performance
  • Students
    • Scholarship Overview
    • Applications
    • Scholarships Available
    • Next Step Education Program
  • Nonprofits
    • Apply for a Grant
    • 2025 Grant Opportunities
    • Nonprofit Partners
    • Partner & Grantee Resources
    • Recent Grant Recipients
    • Glenwood Cemetery Revitalization Campaign
    • CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund
  • Programs
    • Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge
    • Youth Philanthropy Council
    • LEAD Council

Saving our Heritage: Citizen Committee Organizes Effort to Restore and Preserve Iconic Public Square Landmark

April 19, 2022 By admin

Community Foundation to Steward Charitable Funds to Help With Project

     WATERTOWN — Considered by many to be one of the most important historical landmarks in our region and of Watertown’s Public Square, the First Baptist Church and its iconic clock tower is suffering from years of weather-related issues and neglect.

     The current stone structure, built in 1891, has held a very prominent place in our community for more than a century. In 1898, a clock — one that still monitors time to this day — and a bell weighing 2,500 pounds, were placed its tower. The total clock project cost at that time was made possible through contribution by local citizens.

First Baptist Church on Watertown’s Public Square

     It was then that City of Watertown officials agreed to the “oiling, regulating, and properly caring” for the clock “for the public good” and allocated annual funding for that purpose.

     Since those early days, the timepiece has maintained its steady presence in the Downtown, thanks to many volunteers, the church and continued support from the City of Watertown. The church building itself has stood like a sentinel gracing the east end of the Square and forever reminding us of our heritage and sense of community. Nearly every image of the structure appears when Downtown Watertown is featured.

     Recently, strong evidence has showed something must be done to the exterior to preserve and restore this landmark for this generation and the next. Its loss would leave a devastating mark on the landscape.

     A local committee of concerned citizens, with no direct church affiliation, recently worked with the historic preservation firm Crawford and Stearns to complete a preliminary assessment of the overall condition of the clocktower and building to help understand and evaluate the scope of the project and the level of funding that will be necessary to stabilize the structure. The initial work was funded through the generosity of former Watertown Mayor Tom Walker and the Northern New York Community Foundation. The report will provide the basis for the next steps to acquire additional funding and support.

     At present, the building remains well utilized by the community, hosting programs to such not-for-profit organizations as PIVOT, Urban Mission, and Fort Drum, among many others.

     The committee has begun to identify opportunities for grant funding and local support. Recently, a grant application was submitted to the New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Program. Also, a request for support through this year’s New York State Regional Economic Development Council initiative through the Consolidated Funding Application process and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is being prepared. 

     As it has with similar endeavors, the Northern New York Community Foundation has agreed to establish and administer a charitable fund through which individuals, families, organizations, and businesses can help support the initial and future efforts.

     During recent meetings the Committee has also discussed a larger role in the community related to historic preservation efforts. Thus, while the preservation of the First Baptist Church clock tower will be its first effort, it will be positioned to assist with other appropriate endeavors in the future.

     Those who wish to assist the Committee or contribute to its work may contact any member of the committee listed below or the Northern New York Community Foundation for additional information.

     Contact: Don Alexander, Chairman, 315-783-2000; Committee members: Steve Massaro, Sheila Barney-Pullus, Michael Lumbis, Don Rutherford, Reg Schweitzer, Watertown Mayor Jeff Smith, Rev. Jeffrey Smith, former Watertown Mayor Tom Walker, Dr. Jason White.

About the Northern New York Community Foundation

     Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

     Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable  objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

     The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Filed Under: Recent News

Northern New York Community Foundation

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-782-7110
Fax: 315-782-0047

info@nnycf.org

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts. Backup cache in use.
Error: Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons.
Type: OAuthException
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships
... See MoreSee Less

4 months ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 9
  • Shares: 14
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

View more comments

Thanks to donors like YOU, the LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation made the holiday season shine a little brighter for tri-county seniors!

Through LEAD's Holiday Giving Fund match, nearly $5,500 was raised to help make the holidays special for seniors in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Meals on Wheels at Watertown Urban Mission, the Santa for Seniors program at Lowville Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels at St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging each received $1,832 in support.

Complete details below.

We are grateful for all who support Community Foundation programs like the LEAD Council and initiatives that make a direct and meaningful impact across the regi#NNYCFN#lead##leadingthewayheWay
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region

nnycf.org

LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region December 26, 2024 By admin Young Professionals Aid Senior Programs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Coun...
4 months ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 7
  • Shares: 3
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

View more comments

The Watertown-based manufacturer behind Little Trees air fresheners recently established the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation.

Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded quarterly throughout the calendar year. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year, with grant awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per application.

This year, applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, child care, and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The deadline for first-quarter 2025 grant applications is Friday, January 24, 2025. Visit bit.ly/grant-portal to access the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulGiving #Partnerships #Grantmaking
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation

nnycf.org

CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation December 23, 2024 By admin New Charitable Fund Will Support Various Community Projects and Initiatives Through Quart...
4 months ago
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 22
  • Shares: 9
  • Comments: 2

Comment on Facebook

Thank you, Car Freshener!

Becky Taylor

View more comments

Copyright © 2025 · Northern NY Community Foundation · Site Design: Riverside Media, LLC.