A historically significant repair project is set to begin this spring in West Acton. The church at 592 Massachusetts Avenue is located within the West Acton Village Historic District and stands as the village’s oldest active church.
The original West Acton Baptist Church, built in 1846, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1852 in the classic New England Meeting House style. Its original pointed steeple (see historic photos) was blown down during the hurricane of 1934 and later replaced with a gilded dome. Atop the dome sits a beautifully crafted ornamental weathervane. Today, the church and its distinctive dome remain important village landmarks.
The belfry houses a historic bronze bell cast in 1854 at a foundry once owned by Paul Revere. More than simply a place of worship, this building represents part of Acton’s shared heritage. For generations, it has stood as a symbol of the community, bearing witness to countless joyful celebrations and solemn gatherings alike.
Beyond Sunday services of the West Acton Baptist Church, the building serves many additional purposes. It houses church offices and provides secure meeting space for several AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings. It supports community traditions such as the West Acton Village Merchants Association Holiday Stroll raffle each December and hosts weekly “Thrifty Thursday” pop-up thrift events. The Acton Cooperative School’s early childhood program also operates within the building. Outside, a 24/7 Mini Food Pantry, stocked by church members and community donors, provides ongoing support to neighbors in need.
Today, the dome and belfry clearly show signs of wear. More than 20 years have passed since the last major maintenance.
A 2013 Community Preservation Commission (CPC) grant funded interior structural repairs to the belfry flooring. An upcoming project will involve a comprehensive inspection and restoration of the entire steeple structure, including the base (which once housed a clock), the belfry with its screened windows for the antique bell, the dome, and the weathervane. The structure will be prepared, repaired, painted, and restored to ensure both its beauty and longevity.
Due to the high cost of gold, the dome will be returned to the blue color it bore in the 1960s, possibly for the same reason. Even so, the project remains substantial, with estimated costs between $250,000 and $300,000 due to the extensive repairs required to preserve this historic landmark.
An application has been submitted to the Historic District Commission (HDC) for permission to proceed with the project and to clarify what materials may be used. For instance, non-wood such as pvc-type materials may be used to maintain the integrity of the structure as long as the period appearance is maintained. At a pre-application meeting on February 10, 2026, the project received positive feedback. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled in late March. The project is not receiving CPA funding this year.
The church plans to apply for CPC funding in November 2026, when that application process opens. In the meantime, they are looking for donations.
For more information about the Steeple Beautification Project, please visit the steeple page on the church website or email wabcadmin@verizon.net (subject: Steeple Project).
Karen Boutet is a West Acton resident and member of the Historic Preservation Steeple Team. Karen is also an artist and educator.
