Ceiling Issue Delays Opening for Somers Congregational Church

Officials of the Somers Congregational Church hoped to have the new building completed and opened by January, however an issue surrounding the new sanctuary's ceiling is causing a bit of a setback.

The ceiling had been installed previously this year, however it became apparent that it was too low to accommodate the church organ, which at the time had not been put in yet, explained the Rev. Barry Cass, the church's pastor. 

After discussing the matter with the architect, the builder and the organ specialist, the church's officials agreed that the ceiling needed to be raised in order so that the organ could fit, Cass said. He said builders are starting this week on that project, which will delay the opening about six to seven weeks.

As a result, the new church — which replaces the original one destroyed in a devastating New Years Day fire in 2011 — may not be open until March, Cass said. 

Cass has been updating Somers residents in a blog on Patch regarding the church's construction process. Here are a few notable excerpts from a post on Oct. 30:

"Work on the main entrance is nearly complete and we should be able to use it by the end of the week. There may be a few days in the future when we will not be able to use it because of work being done on the driveway and parking lot, but for the most part it will be available."

"We are moving ahead toward accepting a bid for a contractor to supply and install the audio visual equipment throughout the new Meeting House.  We have chosen to delay the installation of some of the equipment because the cost proved to be higher than we had budgeted."

"The stained glass windows have arrived and are being installed.  Once the ceiling is replaced work will be done to install the oak flooring and carpet in the sanctuary, the pews will be installed and the final painting will be done."

Be sure to follow the construction process on the blog: Somers Congregational.