When the building was in need of repairs, Grafton taxpayers were reminded that they enjoyed using the space much more than they enjoyed paying for the space. In 1856, to resolve questions of responsibility for repair costs and avoid unnecessary commingling of church and state, the town and congregation agreed to split the building into two parts—like a sitcom scene in which disputed room ownership is delineated with a strip of masking tape. But over time even that level of financial responsibility seemed too much for town taxpayers.
