The last month has seen the completion of the steeple project. The final result is beautiful, and we are thankful for the people involved in the project. We are changing many lights in the building to LED for energy efficiency and improved lighting.
The trustees are now turning their efforts to some maintenance items and preparations for spring with grounds cleanup. Mulch and pine straw in flower beds and annual flowers will make the church property look beautiful.
Jan. 19, 2024 – Steeple is Complete
Gibson Memorial UMC has completed the renovation of its steeple and roof work. The results are beautiful. In the sunlight, the white steeple almost glows. At night, the lighting of the 2 round stained glass windows looks like a beacon to all to find their way to God. We believe God had his hand involved in this project with the wonderful work done by all who worked on the project. This is the first major renovation in over 100 years and will last for years to come.
The lighting looks almost like the church is a lighthouse, and Gibson is a Lighthouse church welcoming everyone. If you have not seen the renovations, drive past after 5 to see the lights and plan to see it in person for our services and fellowship events.
Jan. 15, 2024 – Completing the project
The sidewalk is being replaced.
Jan. 07, 2024: Gibson is a Lighthouse
We completed the interior structural reinforcements in the steeple to secure the stained glass windows, and we were able to create the stained glass lighting, as I discussed in December. The next steps are the concrete repairs. It looks amazing at night.
Dec. 30, 2023: Good way to start the New Year
Yesterday, we finished installing the steeple top. A few more repairs to the interior of the steeple, remaining Plexiglass on a stained glass window, and then sidewalk and landscape repairs. So, we are making great progress. These pictures came out great. Allen and the others took the installation of the top from a bird’s eye view from the lift. (Pictures to come.)
Dec. 19, 2023: We are getting close to the final efforts on the Steeple Project
The slate work is being finished, and additional trim work is still required. Looks like it will be early January before the landscape and sidewalk repairs are completed.
Oct. 26, 2023: Today was the first today the painters started cleaning the steeple, they were able to remove almost all the old paint from the front steeple face. If we are able to continue this over the next few days, the priming and paint will look as if it is brand new. As expected there are areas of metal cladding that will need repair before painting, but it was exciting to see the cleaned areas and how it will positively affect the final painting.
Oct. 22, 2023: 2nd Update on Gibson Steeple and Roof project:
We have made significant progress in the last week and hope to complete the slate removal from the steeple and wood repairs today. The painters will then start tomorrow first to pressure wash and then to start scrapping, sanding, treating rust, repairing holes in metal cladding, priming and two coats of paint. This process will take a few weeks. Once the painters complete, Century Slate will return to re-install and replace roof slates as needed for another few weeks.
We have uncovered a few repair items that were unknown until we got into the demolition process.
The two round stained glass windows in the steeple were installed poorly and were further compromised by incorrect flashing during the 80’s / 90’s when the plexiglass was installed. The installers cut flashing in small strips to go around the windows. This allowed water to go directly into the wood surrounding the windows, which rotted the wood supporting the windows. We were able to add bracing from the inside to support the windows and I designed a curved flashing for the exterior to allow any water/rain to be shed away from the windows edge. The flashing will be zinc metal and will allow the slate to frame the windows. Here is a short video I took to show you the problem before we re-secured the windows and the interior view. (See below.) We will likely have to replace the plexiglass covers on both round windows.
We are also fabricating a new final top for 1 of the peaks on the steeple that is rusted beyond repair. The steeple top and others are being sanded for rust and will go through a paint process before being re-installed.
Oct. 18, 2023: 1st of many updates from Pete Perniciaro:
We are removing the slate and repairing rotten wood on the steeple. The work is difficult due to the height and the need to constantly move the lift in a position close enough to work on areas. We hope to remove all the slate that is planned in the project, repair wood, and then turn over the lift for the painters to start scrapping, sanding, treating rust, priming, and two coats of paint before the new slate is then re-installed. I expect the work will take about approx. one month to complete.
The view from the top of the steeple is spectacular and a little scary. You can see the areas of wood we removed. When we removed the very top spire, we found someone had shot a bullet through it. (See bottom three photos) It will be repaired and look amazing when we re-assemble it.
I also am building from scratch in my shop a new round vent for over the front fellowship door. It will replace the rotten unit that was falling down. (See top three photos) I am adding a pest screen to the vent to prevent bees and others from getting in.
The Trustees and Congregation give thanks for Pete’s skills as the restoration project continues.
