On Monday, September 22, we will pass through the autumnal equinox: equal periods of day and night. With that, we officially enter the autumn season.Generally, much later in the autumn, more like Thanksgiving, is the beginning of "the season" in Key West. Some would say the season starts a good while later.
Both the season of autumn and the Key West season will be different for us at St Paul's this year. Last Sunday was the last Sunday with our wonderful 150-rank organ. Pipes have been placed into storage this week in preparation for stained-glass windows removal and concrete and ceiling structural restoration work. Tim will play piano only in the nave for the next three Sundays.
Sunday, October 5 will be our last Sunday having services in the church building for at least a year. Beginning Sunday, October 12, we will have services in the parish hall. That will be our primary indoor worship location during the work on the church building.
Willet Studios personnel will begin removing the stained-glass windows in October. They will let us know ten days ahead what their exact start day in October will be. We will be removing the anchors from some of the pews between now and October 5 in preparation for the windows work so the Willet folks can have a smooth and open floor on which to work. It may take a few months to remove all the windows. Once removed, each window will be replaced with painted 3/4" plywood to provide waterproofness and impact protection.
By the end of September we will have all bids in for the concrete and ceiling structural repair. The building committee will meet with architect David Salay of Bender and Associates Architects to review all the bids and make a recommendation to the vestry. Most likely, the concrete repair work will not begin until the very end of 2025 or very beginning of 2026. We expect it will take at least a full year to complete.
As we think about worshiping in the parish hall, we hope you will let us know your thoughts on the best times for services there and the best time for gatherings of the parish family for fellowship and to receive construction and other updates in town hall-style gatherings. In this week's Epistle is a link to a survey where you can let us know your preferences for these. Please complete it and share your input so that we can plan in a way that meets the most folks' needs and desires.
Login To Leave Comment