UTICA —The historic Tabernacle Baptist Church, located directly behind the Stanley Performing Arts Center, has announced the conclusion of its latest round of renovations. “Phase I and Phase II have been very successful in stabilizing all stonework and roofing on the main church sanctuary and steeple ...,” an announcement said.

The church was first constructed back in 1865 as the Civil War was ending. It is actually an outgrowth of the very first church in the city of Utica, the announcement said, adding that today, Tabernacle stands out as not only one of the most prominent churches in the downtown area, but as an integral part of the city skyline and landscape.

In the last decade or so, the church has welcomed the addition of members of the Karen refugee community, working closely with The Center (formerly the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees).

With their arrival the church has turned into a community center. As a result there has been an increased need for more space, while preserving the older, historic structure that has put the church on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the announcement.

“While Phase II is now complete, we’re very much looking forward to Phase III. We’re in the process of applying for another grant from the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation’s Environmental Protection Fund. Phase III seeks to address the administrative and education buildings which includes our fellowship hall, meeting rooms, kitchen, offices and classrooms,” the church announcement added.