Meeting House Construction Update - November 21, 2013

Work has continued this past week to get the final design of the ceiling in the sanctuary.  It has not been a simple matter of raising it to the necessary level because there are heat and air conditioning ducts to be relocated as well as ensuring there is the correct clearance for the largest organ pipes.  Design work is also being done to be sure we have an adequate “trough” running between the organ console and pipes.  This is the space for the mechanisms that make the organ make its sound.  The design is close enough to being finished so that framing work will begin on the ceiling on November 21.  The framing will be done first at the chancel end of the sanctuary and then move south toward the choir loft.

A good portion of the rest of the building is nearly complete.  Carpet was laid in the Foundation Room this week.  The doors will be hung in that room by November 22.  At that point the Foundation Room will be virtually finished.  The Meeting Room and Pilgrim Hall on the second floor will also be complete by November 22.  Third floor doors are being hung this week too.

On the exterior of the building there is still some “buttoning up” to be done which will complete the trim work.  Concrete work has been completed on the east side and front of the building and the area has been prepared for the walkway from the street to the Memorial Garden on the west side.  Cool temperatures the last few days have meant the concrete could not be poured there, but the areas is being kept warm and if the temperature rises the work will be completed.  Lamp posts have been installed on the east side of the building.  Completion of the driveway and sidewalk has meant the construction fence could be moved resulting in much easier and obvious access to the Main Entrance.

Although the driveway has been completed, it will not be open until the project is finished because it runs through the middle of the work site.  There are supplies and equipment near the construction trailer that need to be moved into the building, and there are workers moving back and forth across that area, so it is not safe to open the driveway.

The bell and carillon are scheduled to be completed on December 2.  The plan is to get the carillon running once it is installed so there will be the sound of bells form our steeple once again. 

The Building Committee approved the engraving for the two date stones to be installed on the front of the building on either side of the steps.  1727 will be on one side, representing the gathering of the church and 2014 will be on the other side, representing the date of completion for the fourth Meeting House. 

Work is being done to open the doors between the Meeting House and the office wing.  There will be one set of double doors in the lobby outside the offices, another set of double doors in the second floor lobby and a single door between Pilgrim Hall and the Care Room.  Even when installed, these doorways will not be used until the project is completed.

Watch for further updates in this space and remember, our website (www.somerscongregational.org) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SomersCongUCC) continue to be great sources of information.