Progress Update - Week 3

Two portions to the update this week:

Typical morning fog in pre-dawn hours

One: During the final removal of the the roof and brick the bell tower/steeple was dismantled. Removing the brick reveals old openings in the front. Where they windows? Where they doors? When were they closed? It’s a mystery. The openings are about the same size as the ones on the north and south side, so they could be windows. However they are also to the floor, which could mean door. Either way they were closed up before the brick as added. The bell tower used to have an actual bell in it. The story is that the bell was removed to save it from falling due to water damage and rot. The bell was given to a local gentleman for storage until a more permanent solution was arrived at. That gentleman is now very old and sick. The Bell is in the position of his daughter, who will not give it back till there is a display case built. At this point that project is too expensive for the church, further action is on hold.

Steeple Removal before Brick

Steeple removal after Brick

Former opening on front of church discovered

Gaping hole in South facade

Two: During the brick removal a portion of the south wall started sagging and being unstable. Brad added a support of four 2x8s to keep the roof up. He then cut out the sagging portion and removed it. An additional support was added o the other side as a precaution. For now the area is stable enough to work in, but it makes the south facade look like it’s mouth is open.