Building and Grounds Projects
2017 Projects
Repairing the Rose Window
Tripak continues to work on our stained glass windows. This time it is the Rose Window.
View from the back of the sanctuary
View of the chancel area
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Scaffolding. Yikes!
Workers, one on the inside and a couple on the outside.
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View of the choir loft
Boarded up after the Stained Glass has been removed.
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Cleaning process of the Rose Window
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2016 Projects
History on Display!
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The bell from the original church building has a new home! The pedestal built by our own Abe, displays the 250 lb. bell in the Gathering Room (the old parlor).
Repairing the Stained Glass Window
The Stained Glass windows are in need of some serious repair. Tripak has begun work on the Great South Window in the balcony. This is the first of what will probably take a year or more to complete as they address the more glaring issues in all the windows of the sanctuary. The process is very interesting, as depicted in the photos below. Click on each picture to read the caption.
2015 Projects
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Installation of New Ductwork and Furnaces for Manse
The ductwork at the manse was rusting through. It was a patchwork of connections both old and new. The furnaces were nearing the end of their lifespan and needed major repair. This project started in 2014 with the installation of the duct work and energy efficient furnaces. It ended in May of 2015 with the replacement of the outdoor compressor units. So far, all is running smooth. New Hand Railing West Park Entrance
Considering the number of falls on these stairs over the years, it was decided to add a center hand railing on the Side Entrance on West Park Street. The iron work had to be specially made and was installed in July. |
Painting and Replacement Windows for Manse
Work also began in 2014 to replace the windows in the basement and attic at the manse. These window were rotting in various places and were not energy efficient. They are being replaced by Abe a window or two at a time. The manse trim is peeling badly and and we began taking bids on that work in June. Work on Wifi Network Completed!
Over the years, the church has installed a wide variety of computer routers and switches throughout the building. When we lose internet service only briefly, it is difficult to reset all the routers to get our connection back in the office. In the past three years, with increased office use and a move to go "paperless" at church, the network has started to cause too many service outages. Work began in June to make the entire church wireless accessible and to simply the network with only one router to reset. The new network is up and running, with WiFi available in every corner of the church! |
2014 Projects
New Church Sign COMPLETED!
As announced last spring, the session had approved new church signs to stand at the corner of Elk and W Park, and at Otter and W Park. We are happy to announce that as of December, those signs are now complete! New grass and landscaping will follow in the spring. Below are pics of the the completed sign (and demolition of old sign) on Elk Street:
Mortar Repair
As a church ages, natural forces and pollution will cause the exterior to deteriorate. The mortar joints in our stone facade are susceptible to these forces. In two areas in particular, water pouring off the roof and down the outside walls is intruding into the sanctuary. Ruined plaster is the unsightly result.
After having several companies evaluate the situation, it was determined that those areas most affected by roof water need to be repointed. Tirpak Building Maintenance has been hired to cut the mortar in these areas to a depth of one inch. They will then put in new mortar and treat the exterior with a breathable sealant. We believe this is a necessary step to stop the leaks.
After having several companies evaluate the situation, it was determined that those areas most affected by roof water need to be repointed. Tirpak Building Maintenance has been hired to cut the mortar in these areas to a depth of one inch. They will then put in new mortar and treat the exterior with a breathable sealant. We believe this is a necessary step to stop the leaks.
This is a picture of the east side of the church on W Park Street. Note the valley on the roof. It allows water to overflow our gutters and pour down the side of the building. We have been advised that the surface area of our roof is so great that no gutter system can handle the volume of the runoff. Repointing, therefore, will give us the best chance for stopping our leaks.
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This is the west side of the church, looking down the alley from Elk Street.
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Stained Glass Repair
The stained glass is one of the most beautiful features of our church. Not only does it provide us a wonderful backdrop for worship, the Gospel message depicted also preaches to all who enter the space. We've been told that the process used to create the windows and the intricate, detailed workmanship is rarely seen in widows today. Due to settling of the building, and the wear and tear of time, the glass must now be restored. Unfortunately, it is a lengthy and expensive process. We are beginning the restoration of the windows this year. More details will follow as the work is scheduled.
New Church Signage Planned
Some of you may have noted that our current sign standing on the corner of Elk and West Part Street is leaning badly. Constructed of sandstone, mortar, and concrete, it has experienced the effects of the harsh climate and air pollution. While we could take steps to correct the problem, the sign is so small and set at such an angle that it is ineffective for communicating what is happening in the life of the church. Session has approved replacing that sign with something with larger channeled letters. The new sign will be similarly positioned, but angled more toward Elk to facilitate reading from Elk and West Park. We are exploring designs that will help this larger sign blend in with the architecture of the church. More details will follow.
In addition to the sign at the corner of Elk and West Park, Session also approved the installation of a new sign at the corner of West Park and Otter Streets. This sign will face one of the busiest intersections in Franklin, allowing us to better communicate special events in the church.
The church hopes to bring our request for new signage to the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) and the City Council sometime this summer. If approved and all goes well, we complete the work prior to the end of this year. As details on final design and timetables become available, we will publish them here and in "The Flow".
In addition to the sign at the corner of Elk and West Park, Session also approved the installation of a new sign at the corner of West Park and Otter Streets. This sign will face one of the busiest intersections in Franklin, allowing us to better communicate special events in the church.
The church hopes to bring our request for new signage to the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) and the City Council sometime this summer. If approved and all goes well, we complete the work prior to the end of this year. As details on final design and timetables become available, we will publish them here and in "The Flow".