Spencer, MA — Lauring Construction has completed a new worship facility and community gathering space for the First Congregational Church of Spencer. The church’s original building, a historic structure dating back to 1863, was destroyed by a lightning strike in June 2023.
Located at 207 Main Street, the new structure was designed as a space the community would continue to use as a central gathering place and house of worship. Lauring’s team began with a pre-construction study to assess what scale of replacement facility was feasible on the site, which required building into a rock ledge at the edge of the original cemetery at the rear of the property.
The new facility adds ADA access and a full sprinkler system, improving accessibility and safety for its patrons. Modern windows and insulation improve the building’s energy efficiency and meet new code requirements. Lauring’s self-perform trades handled significant portions of the construction, including sitework, concrete for the foundations and sidewalk, wood framing, wall framing, doors and hardware, finish millwork, carpentry and trim…