The work on the exterior of the sanctuary is winding down and probably will be finished within the next couple of weeks.  Here are some highlights of a report that was written by Property director Art Halbardier, shared at the semi-annual congregational meeting today:

There have been remarkably few surprises throughout the project, which is pretty amazing considering the scope of work. Speaks well to the quality of the contractors that this is the case. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the large number of bricks that eventually needed replacing - a reminder of how much damage even small water leaks can cause.

But, all in all, it's been a pretty smooth process. Remaining is a lot of finishing up: "acid washing" to even out the colors, and touch up. The biggest element on the masonry side is installing a limestone and copper "cap" on the chimney - the chimney that had us all reaching for "hard hats" when we first saw the pictures.

 The stained glass window above the altar was finished this week. Because our request for more extensive work on the windows came so late in the season, it's unlikely all the windows will be repaired this Fall. The contractor was already committed to other projects. We have targeted a few windows in the worst shape in hopes they can be repaired yet this year, as many as weather allows. The remainder will be at the top of the list for early 2016.

A number of you have already made generous contributions toward this Restoration. Thank you. Those gifts can be used to pay the bills before we have to borrow.

If you are in a position to make a gift to Restoration 2015 this year, please do. It will be a big help in reducing the loan.

One more piece of work to report:  Our marvelous in-house masonry crew was hard at work today, removing an old dangerous sidewalk [leading to the 31st street entrance to the sanctuary, that has the ladder lying on it in the photo below] and preparing for a new safer one. Mark and Tim, of course, plus Ted Thompson, and moi. Tore out the old, prepared the base, hauled away the rubble. Crew is physically sore but still sound. 

Wine is definitely better than Advil, in my view. 

Thanks, Art!

The window crew, Jon and Jake, heading up in the cherry picker to work on the large chancel window.  It looks great!