Please make sure to read the article on page 7 of the September Prophet as well!

If you haven’t yet walked into the space, please do so the next time you’re in church and I imagine you’ll be delighted to see the changes. The five original windows have been opened up, shedding beautiful light into the chancel. The newly shaped chancel area is spacious and will allow for some wonderfully new opportunities for worship, as well as performances. A new altar is being made for us by a parishioner. The handicapped accessible communion rail, which will be removable, will be wrought iron to match the balcony railing.

The center aisle red carpet has been removed and will be replaced with tile, which will go from the two narthexes, down the center aisle, and around the chancel steps.  (The existing cork floor will remain at the side aisles and under the pews.)  The existing light fixtures are being retrofitted with many more bulbs and much less energy use.  New lighting will not only allow for improved lighting, but will showcase the detail of the ceiling not previously seen.  The font will be placed in the center aisle, below the balcony, with surrounding shorter pews to allow for weddings and funerals. The balcony is shaping up nicely; the cement floor was poured and the ceiling below has been finished. The finish woodwork is starting in the next few weeks.

Moving into the tower, the interior walls have been removed and the new staircase is starting to be built. The remedial work required on the tower will be starting shortly. Scaffolding has been erected and the careful recording of each stone will start. Then the tower wall that abuts the church will be dismantled and rebuilt. This work is being done concurrently to the remaining work. As soon as this tower wall is secure, the cut-through to the balcony will be done.

We are on track for anticipating delivery of the organ in early November. The wrought-iron balcony railing will only be installed after the organ is in position.