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Metamorphosis: September 1998

On scaffolding below the sanctuary's vaulted ceiling, lying on his side, a painter finishes a beam with delicate brush strokes. On the level below, an electrician replaces worn copper cables, and elsewhere, men refinish balcony railing. The air is hot and still; fans provide the only circulation. The intense silence is broken only by occasional instructions, as often in Czech or Spanish as English. But anticipation is building. A quiet excitement spreads as the product of delicate craft nears completion, an inspirational restoration about to emerge.

The metamorphosis of the upper sanctuary began with the erection of scaffolding in late June. The number of planks needed exceeded even the city's capacity, and contractors scurried to Canada to get the needed wood. The plywood false ceiling that concealed the carved wood triforium was removed, exposing arches and beams in the balcony, and in three corners, carved "ship wheels." The balcony pews were removed for refinishing (and redesign of hymnal holders); the carpet was taken up. Damaged plaster was sounded and removed. Stone window frames were stripped of numerous paint layers. The upper portion of the sanctuary was returned about to its original condition at the turn of the century.

And as refurbishment began, it became apparent that much repair was essential. Water infiltration from roof leaks, particularly on the North and East wall (to orient you, the Madison Avenue entrance is the West wall) had severely damaged the plaster. Certain wall portions were about to fall. The electrical system was worn and dated. The fire detection system was badly aged. Roof repairs were made early in the Summer paving the way for plastering and other refurbishment of sanctuary infrastructure. In the end, structural refurbishment accounted for about half the Summer's work.

The decorative painters accurately replicated the sanctuary's original color palette and ceiling design including the faux wood graining of all wooden beams and decorative elements, as well as tromp l'oeil beams in the ceiling. (Tromp l'oeil beams are painted on the ceiling to look as if real.) The original limestone finish of the stone window frames was restored. The decorative painters, specialists, from places as varied as Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, the Galapagos, Peru and Texas, worked with fine brushes and delicate strokes.

And along with the decorative painting, the balcony railing and wainscoting (wood paneling behind the pews), and other upper sanctuary wood paneling was refinished. Parts of the "ship wheels" were badly damaged. Using plaster molds, the damaged portions were replicated in fiberglass with faux bois finish to match the other wood graining. Above the triforium, a pulley system, using sailboat cleats, was installed to allow window vents to be open for air and light.

The stained glass windows, in particular those on the West and South elevations were severely compromised by the installation of lexan sheets many years ago. These sheets have trapped heat and moisture leading to the warping of the colored glass panes and to the deterioration of the lead separating them. Some glass was worked on and cleaned in place. The most severely damaged panels have been removed to the Gil studio for restoration. This refurbishment will continue through the Fall.

To complete the restoration, a new lighting system has been designed, one with far more ambient and natural light. The new lights installed this Summer will highlight the replicated ceiling finish and should create more uniform lighting in the pews and complement the new lighting design to be completed next year.

Late in August, I had the pleasure of visiting with Page Cowley, our principal architect, her partner Theo Prudon and their Associate, Eleanor Burke (who assisted me with this article). On a hot lazy Friday, their office was brimming with calls and activity. Throughout the Summer, this team has worked with our numerous contractors and subcontractor and numerous consultants and subcontractors. They have had, at times, as many as 40 people in our sanctuary. Every Tuesday morning, they met with representatives from our Building Committee to review progress and make essential decisions. I think that we all owe our heartfelt thanks to this team's dedication.

And as I sat in Page's office, I sensed their excitement, partly for completion of the initial phase of renovation, but an excitement more akin to that associated with the unveiling of an inspired creation. This initial phase of restoration has involved the essential and the artistic. The workmanship has been delicate and caring. This refurbishment is an inspirational beginning to our campaign and a tribute to the God we serve.

—Julian Schroeder, on behalf of the Campaign Steering Committee
Photos by Douglas Yasso, October 30, 1998

See also, the description of the tapestry.

 

 

 

 

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