What's the worst possible thing that could occur in the middle of a sub-freezing cold snap at Christmas? Your boiler suddenly dies, and you're left without heat for not one but two buildings. Unfortunately, this is what happened in December 2019 at the historic St. John's Episcopal Church and Thaxter Hall in Portsmouth, NH.

St. John's and Thaxter Hall provides services to over a thousand people in the Seacoast community each month throughout the year. Being without heat in December would be devastating to those that depend on St. John's for its outreach programs. An early in the season, bitterly cold weather system strained heating for many businesses. As you might imagine, finding a local plumber to undertake a 2.5-ton steam boiler replacement in the middle of a heating emergency was a challenge.

The first estimate to replace the boiler was considered way too high. The company also estimated it would take nearly two weeks to complete the job. This meant to prevent the pipes in both buildings from freezing temporary heat was needed. St. John's could not afford to rely on temporary heat for that long a period. After two weeks of research via phone and online communicating with local boiler companies and some as far away as New York and New Jersey, it seemed dire. Finally, we discovered a local NH company, MJA Plumbing of Hooksett NH, which took on the job at a most reasonable price. Mike, the owner, was so reassuring on the phone during our first conversation, he said: "We'll get you to heat for Christmas." Mike and his team of five highly motivated skilled workers did not stop until the job was completed in just fourteen hours. A remarkable accomplishment.

After the new boiler was successfully installed, a problem was discovered with the computer, which prevented it from starting. The only replacement part was located in Foxborough, MA. Mike got into his truck in the middle of the snowstorm and returned with the new computer almost four hours later. Mike, diverted resources from other areas to save a historic church in a critical time of need.

We, at St John's, cannot be more grateful for all he and his team did to save the church and allow this community to enjoy a warm place to celebrate Christmas. The defective boiler was removed in just over two hours. MJA's team and Jim Holway of Holway Electric's accomplishments were above and beyond expectations. Thanks to their remarkable efforts, over 100 people from across the Seacoast gathered in Thaxter Hall for a Christmas dinner. The impact of this team's kindness is felt well beyond the walls of St. John's.

The clergy and parishioners at St. John's are most appreciative and grateful to know that we can depend on hard-working, dedicated people to help our community in a desperate time of need.

Written by Reginald Baird

** Special thanks to our own Reginald Baird for his tireless dedication to keeping our community safe and warm.