Restoration Project 6-29-07

With all of the loose plaster removed from the ceiling, and taken to the dump, Henry has cleaned up the work site. He and his crew are in the process of installing the wire lath that will work with the wood lath to give our new plaster ceiling added strength. A bonding agent will then be applied to the wire and to the existing plaster to further help the plaster hold. Our windows, that have been removed are 'on the bench' and in the process of being rebuilt. They will be returned as they are completed.

Restoration Project 6-27-07

Demolition starts this week as Henry and his crew work to remove all of the loose plaster from our ceiling. The wood lath will remain. Any loose wood lath will be re-secured with crews to provide a solid foundation for our new ceiling. It has been determined that the plaster ceiling is original to the time that the church was built in 1874, and contains real horse hair. Horse hair was used to fortify the plaster and help to keep it from cracking. In this picture, we see the one section in the whole project where all of the plaster has been removed. This section is situated in the front of the sanctuary directly in front of the Pulpit.

Restoration Project 6-23-07

More images of restoration.

Restoration Project 6-21-07

This week ended with a meeting being held to determine the condition of the existing plaster ceiling. Henry and our architects, Kevin, and Virginia, got together and assessed how much of the original plaster that was to remain, and how much needed to be removed. We were happy to hear that a significant portion of the original plaster has been determined to be solid. This is great news.

Restoration Project 6-19-07

Jeff was here today to remove one of the clerestory windows. Close inspection of these windows has shown that only one has enough damage to warrant repair. Removing the glass from this opening at this time serves two functions. The glass can go to the shop for repair, and be back in place by the time the scaffold is taken down, and the opening provides much needed air circulation for the guys working on the ceiling.