Plaster work underway!

Monday, July 15 began the next major step in our Grow-Restore-Serve building projects: plaster repair and repainting in the sanctuary!  The damage to the sanctuary interior, most significant over the altar and the two largest stained glass windows on either side, was caused by the roof leaks and damage.  Now that the roof work is complete and everything is dry and holding, the plaster work has begun!

Our sanctuary is mostly plaster, not drywall or another (easier) material.  It's been repaired and patched in a variety of ways over the years.  We're taking the opportunity here to do it right, fix these repairs, and repaint the interior for a fresh, protected space for worship for the decades to come!  Our plasterer is a craftsman whose family has done this for generations, and his son is assisting him.  The new plaster is smooth and beautiful, and we're shoring up the integrity of much of the existing plaster, so that this work will last.

Worship services have moved into our Fellowship Hall while this work is taking place.  The altar and other furniture are currently set up there. 

Here are some photos of how the work has evolved over the altar so far:

Before work began on July 15. Note the damaged plaster in the corners, and blistering/cracking on the wall on the right side, and the disused chandelier sconce on the ceiling.

With the damaged plaster removed, the structural red brick of the arch became visible, as well as the original wooden lath and later wire mesh that holds the plaster in place. On the right side, some cracks needed removal and repair.

In progress, on July 25. The new plaster is on the arch, and the sconce from the old chandelier (original to the building but no longer used) has been removed.

In progress, on July 30. The white areas are new plaster. The cracks are being repaired and, if you look closely, some screws have been used to stabilize areas where the plaster has floated away from the lath behind it.