Update on the church ceiling

Update on the church ceiling, etc.:

The past couple of months we have had plaster repair company representatives investigate our ceiling issues. We have received an incomplete proposal and await another estimate. Two other companies said they cannot do it. We are hoping that some experts from Milwaukee and/or Chicago may come to give us their analysis and proposals.

Some are asking why so much time has passed since the plaster fell and current activities. There are several reasons. The first is that we know there are cracks in the plaster in many places. We will have to investigate every inch of the ribs that stretch and weave across the ceiling. Several companies assessed the situation in the weeks after the incident and gave us unsatisfactory options. We realized that the repair project was not common and required a unique response.

We want to maintain the artistic qualities which cause the effects of light and shadow. We do not desire to square off and encase the ribs in drywall. These artistic effects give the ceiling unique depth and character. We seek companies that have the artistic ability and respect the unique nature of the ceiling. There are not many such entities. So, we learned that we needed a close up inspection of the ceiling before an adequate proposal can be made. Trying to find a lift that could reach the ceiling proved to be difficult. At the time we needed a lift before Christmas, there were none available! We have one now and we have been using it for the current assessments.

In addition to the actual repair, there is a question about scaffolding. Some companies are informing us that they would require a scaffolding that reaches the various heights of the entire ceiling. The cost of this may be more than the repair activity! We are trying to determine if such a structure is needed. One company suggests that it is not needed. Still, the church pews will need to be removed. This raises another question.

When COVID was at its worst, we were washing and disinfecting our pews every day! Even before COVID we were looking at the possibility of refinishing our worn pews. Now they are in very bad condition. We will decide soon to refinish or purchase new pews. The ceiling work may provide a timely and convenient opportunity.

All of the above will be costly! We will be coming to you soon with a proposal for fund-raising for the cost of ceiling repair, pew refinishing or replacement, and roof repair (scheduled before ceiling problems occurred).

Peace, Fr. Andy