Strawberry Festival Raises Money for Milton Church's Steeple Facelift

A day of food and fun at First Congregational Church Saturday brought Milton residents and church members together and helped raise money for a project to paint the church's steeple for the first time in nearly two decades.

"It galvanizes our people to come together and work on a project," Rev. Jeff Johnson said. "We want people to know we are a church with energy that is alive and well."

This year First Congregational transformed its annual Family Fun Day into a Strawberry Festival. Children's activities included Jim the DJ Guy, the Bubble Music Man, and a Teddy Bear Clinic and Zipline.  

There was also a silent auction, barbeque, New England craftsmen and exhibitors, and plenty of strawberries. Johnson said he hoped the the festival would contribute half of the $20,000 needed to paint the steeple.

The church painted its facade two weeks ago after it started to show signs of wear and now the steeple is looking worn out especially compared to the rest of the building. Johnson said the church plans to finish the project by fall.

"It's literally a facelift," the reverend said.

By fundraising for capital projects through the festival and other similar events, such as Caroling on the Common in December, the church is able to focus its general fund on regular services and activities. Last year, the June event raised $6,000 for a youth center in the church basement.

"We have a lot of hardworking people," Johnson said. "It's a vibrant place."