First Presbyterian Church in Brazil to receive grants for HVAC, roof replacement

Sixteen congregations around the state have received grants from Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Fund to address significant capital needs at their historic houses of worship.

The awards mark the fourth round of grants since the fund was established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Sacred Places Indiana will distribute $2.5 million in grants to several congregations including the First Presbyterian Church in Brazil.  $75,000 capital and $25,000 planning grants are for HVAC upgrades and roof replacement to stop water infiltration in the 1924 church’s sanctuary.

“By offering this critical funding, we hope to help congregations and parishes continue to thrive as spiritual centers and use their landmark buildings in ways that support and serve their communities,” says David Frederick, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Program.

Historic churches that have identified significant capital needs, have the support of their judicatories, and are ready to take on a capital campaign could be candidates for the Sacred Places Indiana Fund.

The fund awards matching grants in a competitive process. Selected congregations must be committed to good stewardship of their historic structures and have demonstrated signs of organizational health including established clergy and lay leadership, clearly defined project goals, stable or growing membership, community engagement, and financial strength and stability. Congregations should be ready to undertake and complete both a capital campaign and construction project within the next two years.