Entry keypads, cameras and monitoring software added to Sandwich church

First Church of Christ in Sandwich will use a new $75,000 grant to install a state-of-the-art security system to “ensure the safety of the church community,” said the Rev. Jenny Valentine, minister of faith formation and ministry.

“The added security is reassuring because it means people here can relax and fully experience their time here in the community,” Valentine said. “It reassures us that we are doing everything we can to take good care of this space.”

Eighty-five nonprofits, including houses of worship, schools, health care facilities and other organizations at increased risk of hate crimes or extremist attacks, received a total of $4.75 million to improve security, according to a press release from the Healey-Driscoll administration.

The second nonprofit on Cape Cod to receive a $35,000 grant was St. John Paul II School in Hyannis, the release said.

According to a church press release, the church modernization will include, among other things, entry keypads, indoor and outdoor cameras, and monitoring software and equipment.

For Pastor Tina Walker-Morin, senior pastor, the grant will enable the church community to safely and securely “fulfill our mission to provide a place where there is room for everyone.”

“We look forward to welcoming anyone who would like to join us or utilize this space,” Walker-Morin said in a church news release.

Church staff applied for the grant earlier this year, Valentine said. The money came from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Security Grant Program, according to a news release. The program uses federal funds set aside for the state under the American Rescue Plan Act.

The church has already hired a company to upgrade its security system, and software is being installed, Valentine said.

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Why did the church want to tighten security measures?

Valentine said the safety of the church staff and about 250 active worshippers is the top priority.

The church also wants to protect the approximately 30 students enrolled in Joyful Noise Preschool. Valentine hopes that families of preschool children can be assured that measures will be implemented to maintain a strong learning environment for students and teachers.

The church, Valentine said, also hosts Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as many other groups from throughout the community, such as the Sandwich Arts Alliance and 12-step groups.

“All of the schools in our district have a high level of safety. And with our preschool here, we want to have parity with other schools and organizations that serve children who are a vulnerable population,” Valentine said.

Cost of keys to old church

There are also practical reasons the church wanted to improve, Valentine said. The church was founded in 1638 under the Plymouth Colony Charter and the Mayflower Compact. Because the church has been around for so long, the keys to the building have been difficult to replace as staff move on to other endeavors, Valentine said.

“Keys disappear with people,” she said. “The cost of re-coding the locks in the church and then getting the keys to all the right people at the right time is prohibitive.”

The Church is also very open and publicly shows support for all people, including LGBTQ+ people.

“It’s helpful to know that we have that extra layer of security,” Valentine said. It’s not the primary reason for the security upgrade, “but it’s something we keep in mind.”

Throughout the grant period, Valentine said, state program coordinators will work with grantees to help them manage the money and make sure the work is completed.

“Protecting religious organizations and other nonprofits from hate and extremist violence is essential to the safety of our communities across Massachusetts. We are deeply committed to ensuring that organizations at risk of hate crimes and violence are protected and supported,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a news release.

Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

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