LUDLOW, Mass. - A Ludlow church with a long history in the community will be preserved for a new generation with funding for some critical roof repairs.

The historic First Church in Ludlow dates back to 1774, but over the years, two fires destroyed previous buildings, leading to the modern church built in 1982.

“We did not let it sway us, we still rebuilt because we believed in what we were trying to offer and be to the community,” said Reverend Darcy Borden.

Betty Jaciow has been going to the church for 57 years, and said it was first built to give people an alternative to traveling all the way to Springfield.

Over time, through multiple builds, it’s been a place for the community to feel connected.

“During the war times, the ladies would gather at the building that was here at the time and write letters to the soldiers away from home,” Jaciow said. “They’d wrap bandages and have served the community throughout the time the church has been here.”

Now more than four decades old, the current building had been seeing some wear and tear, with a roof in need of upgrades.

Reverend Borden is quick to credit Jaciow for working with the Massachusetts Legislature to secure $50,000 for repairs.

“There’s a lot of paperwork, that goes for anything,” Jaciow said. “The roof had reached its end of life, and it was having problems where if we didn’t do something soon, it would be leaking back into the building.”

State Senator Jake Oliveira and State Representative Aaron Saunders presented a ceremonial check to the church on Tuesday, saying it was particularly important to secure the funding because of the church’s history as a gathering spot for the entire community.