Connecting the Past to the Future
Photo by Kristopher Radder.
Quintron tuning the weather-reactive synthesizer, The Weather Warlock to match the tones of the Historic bell. Photo by Kristopher Radder.
Quintron adjusting the barometric pressure gauge for The Weather Warlock, a weather-controlled synthesizer permanently installed at Epsilon Spires. Photo by Kristopher Radder.
Photo by Kristopher Radder.
The First Baptist Church has graced the west side of upper Main Street in Brattleboro for more than 150 years. The 1868 church was designed in the High Victorian Gothic style, with a central steeple and a three-story sanctuary. A major 1889 renovation in the Late Gothic Revival style added two dramatic front entry towers and a three-story section in the rear. In 1906 the monumental Estey pipe organ was installed, a gift of congregant Jacob Estey. At age 117 and still thriving, our organ is continuously maintained and regularly featured in performance. Ongoing plaster repair and preservation, coupled with the sensitive renovation of artist’s studios on upper levels, attest to the importance of historic preservation at Epsilon Spires. While respecting its honorable past, Epsilon Spires is adding a contemporary chapter to the life of this magnificent structure.
Innovations in Energy Efficiency Meet Historic Preservation
Supporting the protection of our climate is central to the mission of Epsilon Spires. We have embodied this through energy-efficient renovations to our building including roof stabilization, air sealing, and new insulation. We have also installed an air-to-water heat pump, which saves thousands of gallons of fuel each year. In order to minimize our reliance on fossil fuels even further, we host most of our events during colder months in our smaller Social Engagement Salon, which allows us to keep our three-story Sanctuary at a significantly lower temperature. Additionally, two dollars of every ticket sold to our events goes towards the continued preservation of our historically significant building.
