My hope is that the sunshine is warming up the masons who are high on a lift taking down our church wall brick-by-brick. And I do mean one brick at a time. This is a slow and intentional process and I give thanks for those who are willing to stand on a metal platform 100 feet in the air.
The process of removing the outer wall began today after they completed erecting a temporary inner wall to protect the church from the elements. Today we also had an architectural firm in the sanctuary taking laser imaging/measurements of the Te Deum window, its frame and surrounding wall. This needed to be accomplished prior to the removal of the stained glass window next week. The imaging will allow the stained glass company to replicate the current window and provide accurate measurments for the creation of a new frame. The current frame holding the stained glass is wood which has incurred some damage. A new aluminum frame will be created which will provide addtional strength and stability.
Inside the nave, the first story stained glass windows have been covered with plywood for protection; all wood carvings, panels, radiators, etc. have been removed from the area immediately inside the Ottawa Street entrance and protective flooring has been laid. Scaffolding is in place to be used for the removal of the Te Deum window. As the wall and window come down, this area will be exposed to the elements so we need to pray for sunshine and minimal rain and snow. the trees on either side of the steps into the Ottawa Street entrance and our sign (the old one) will need to be removed so that the lift can be moved next to the wall for repairs.
We now have a wonderful portable pipe organ in the Merrifield Room which Fowler Organ Company (they have cared for our organ for more than 30 years) has loaned us for the duration of our time in that space. We will be moving other furniture out of the Merrifield Room so as to create additional worshp space as the organ and its speakers are sizeable. Right now, we are making decisions as we go as things change on a daily basis. I ask all of us to be patient and to expect disruptions as we adapt to an every-changing situation.
On another note, the Men’s Bathroom in the Music Wing is undergoing repairs/renovation as the tile was falling off the wall and some plumbing repairs were needed. This gives us one more reason to stay out of that area unless you are involved in Altar Guild or music.
We have received great media coverage and many more folks now are aware of our wonderful church. Let us give thanks for all of our blessings and challenges and continue to trust the journey we are on as God’s own very best for us.
Blessings,
Karen+