Donor Support of Campus Updates

We are deeply grateful for two donors whose love for the Benevolent Association has  brought a gracious sense of caring, beauty, and usefulness to important areas of our buildings and campus. Over the past few months, two projects have been completed on our campus that have made a remarkable difference—the restoration of three sets of original wood exterior doors and the rebuilding of the granite steps leading down to the Woodlands. 

The Doors 

Three sets of heavily used and highly visible exterior doors were selected for restoration: 

• The double doors at the front entrance of the Original Building 

• The south-side door used by residents and staff to reach the back parking lot 

• The large wooden door, originally from the Associates Building and now serving as the front door of the Christian Science Nursing Building 

The BA partnered with Asher Nichols & Craftsman, LLC, a Boston-based firm known for historic home restoration. The work was done on-site, beginning with the careful repair of any wood that had deteriorated—particularly areas near the ground affected by winter moisture and salt. Damaged sections were replaced with new, hand-matched oak pieces, and the doors were meticulously sanded before staining. 

“All of the doors were preserved, and we took great care to match the color of the stain,” said Peter Morgan, Director of Operations. “If you haven’t seen the doors for a while, you’ll notice that they look a lot darker. That’s because we matched the stain to the original interior side of the doors, which hadn’t faded as much as the outside.” 

To complete the process, three coats of UV-protected polyurethane were applied to ensure lasting protection from the elements. “The team at Asher Nichols do such high-quality work, and we were so grateful for the care they took in restoring our doors,” said Peter. 

The Steps 

A separate donation made it possible to restore the granite steps leading from the main parking area in front of the Original Building down to the Woodlands. These steps have not been functional for many years but are part of the integral pathway for guests, visitors, and staff to enjoy access to the BA’s wooded trails. The steps also provide access to the lit pathway that leads to Route 9 which is readily used by staff who are using public transportation.

The project began with constructing a reinforced wooden mold and pouring new concrete. Once cured, the granite treads were set in place, and custom-fabricated railings were installed on both sides. In addition, the lighting along the path was repaired. The renewed staircase is already in daily use and adds both safety and beauty to the grounds. 

“We are so grateful for the generous donors who so lovingly support the refuge of the BA,” said Peter. “These two projects have greatly enhanced the functionality and beauty of our campus.”