Preserving Zion for Future Generations

Since 2010, Zion Episcopal Church has undertaken an extensive restoration program to preserve our historic 1883 church and ensure that it remains a welcoming and accessible place of worship and community gathering for generations to come.

For many years, this work was made possible primarily through generous bequests from devoted Zion parishioners, allowing the congregation to invest significantly in the preservation of this historic building.

Our Restoration Work

Completed projects include:

• Restoration and repointing of the church’s historic sandstone masonry
• Replacement of the original slate roof with a historically appropriate roof
• Installation of an underground drainage system to protect the sandstone from water damage
• Restoration of the Rose Window and stained-glass windows
• Restoration of the Danby marble Baptismal Font
• Complete rewiring of the church
• Restoration of the bell tower, roof, and arched entrance
• Improvements to the undercroft, including new flooring and carpeting
• Installation of a chairlift
• Construction of an accessible entrance and handicap ramp
• Parking lot improvements

These projects represent many years of careful planning and significant investment by Zion’s congregation in preserving the architectural and historic character of the church.

Phase 2 Sandstone Repointing

The preservation of Zion’s historic sandstone has been an important part of our restoration efforts. Professional assessment identified deterioration of mortar joints and emphasized the importance of proper repointing and water management to protect the sandstone from further damage.

In 2024, Zion completed Phase 2 of its sandstone repointing project, continuing this long-term preservation work.

Phase 2 was completed by Painting Etc. Inc. of Colton at a total project cost of $28,000.

Rock Charitable Fund Support

Zion Episcopal Church gratefully acknowledges a $26,000 grant from the Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation specifically supporting the Phase 2 sandstone repointing project. Zion contributed the remaining $2,000 toward the project.

This generous grant helped preserve the structural integrity and historic sandstone exterior of Zion Church, protecting an important Colton landmark for future generations.

Funding for the Phase 2 sandstone repointing project was provided by the Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Rock Charitable Fund and the Northern New York Community Foundation for their partnership in preserving this historic North Country church.

Caring for an 1883 Landmark

Preserving Zion Episcopal Church is about more than maintaining a building. Zion has been part of the Colton community since 1883, and its preservation allows this historic church to continue serving as a place of worship, fellowship, outreach, and community gathering.

We are grateful to the parishioners whose generosity made Zion’s earlier restoration work possible and to the Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation for helping us continue that legacy of preservation through its support of Phase 2 sandstone repointing.