Since 1997, Cohen and Jaeger have seen time and deferred maintenance take a mounting toll. If the government demands sprinklers, there has to be a way government can meet that. The outcome here was no service at all for the community. No one is talking about waiving safety codes, but preservation advocates are trying to patch together other remedies and point congregations to existing relief sources. Some states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have historic trusts that can provide restoration grants to religious properties that are on historic registries.
Some congregations also have access to denominational repair funds.
The Washington-based council will hold its national conference in Philadelphia this month. Cohen and Jaeger will be there, and will lead 40 funders on an April 30 tour of endangered sanctuaries.