Well, our little summer project is well underway!
As there is so much going on and things are progressing at such a rapid rate we would like to share with you a few pictures and updates of the restoration and Sacred Art as things develop. With the church closed for the summer we have been so fortunate to be able to hold Services in the hall. Rest assured that while the time away from our spiritual home is an adjustment (though just at the other end of the building), it is going to be well worth it as we will ensure our beloved church is in good standing for another 160 years!
As you may have noticed, the work on the outside of the church has already been completed! Vintage Stone Masonry (the same company that did the stone work on our grotto) was able to carve out all the failing mortar from the Southern wall and repoint it. They then turned their eyes to the main face of our church. This was certainly the worst of it all and many hours were put into investigating and identifying current and future weak spots, the failing materials, and gapping in and around the doors. They then expertly addressed every issue (actually extending beyond their original scope of work at no additional cost to our parish) to ensure that we will be ready to accept parishioners for decades to come.
Our church interior is in the midst of a full overhaul! While many hands made light work of moving out all materials from the church to the hall for use and/or temporary storage (Thanks again everyone who helped out!!) our contractors got to it. Every pew and kneeler went out the doors and was shipped off for repair/refinish. The flooring was ripped out and scraped off leaving a pleasant surprise of a solid base upon which we were able to build our current 16′ high scaffolding platform floor. Upon this, currently two teams of workers, the plaster team and the paint team, have been diligently working to move our project forward both individually and in unison.
The plaster work has been extensive to say the least! Many many linear feet of cutouts into the walls and beams have been performed, followed by using a special consolidation liquid to solidify the material, which then is replastered and sanded all in preparation for the painting, As you may recall, some of the large ornamentals at the base of the ceiling beams were cracked apart. In our process of repair, we found as a surprise that they were filled with what we believe to be hessian plant and wood scrapings! This “old timey” use of these materials, as a stuffing, would have provided a lightweight and absorbent solution for the plaster constructors. Quite the find indeed! The plaster team’s wonderful efforts are making our structure solid and sound for future generations.
Our paint team (from BC) has been doing fantastic work as they have been supporting the plaster team as well as pushing forward with the incredible upgrade of our church! Priming, painting, sanding, and repeating the process all over again is making an excellent foundation for the final painting of the walls and ceiling. Our Restoration Committee approved colour selections are bringing new life to our church, and as the walls and ceiling get their new look, the church becomes more splendored than we could have hoped.
The hand painted Sacred Art is stunning to say the least. A base canvas was installed for the art’s protection and as each new component is painted upon it, the overall beauty continues to grow. Once completed, it will undoubtedly be an incredible spiritual inspiration.
We are about at the halfway point in our efforts and we are happy to share that we are on schedule. There have been a few hiccups along the way so far but, thanks be to God, nothing insurmountable.
Be sure to follow our social media streams for more update photos and regular updates posted to our website and be sure to mark your calendar for our GRAND REVEAL CELEBRATION as we host our first mass in our beautifully restored church on Saturday September 13th at 5pm!
