Construction

All members of the Berea community are invited to celebrate with Union Church the re-dedication of their renovated sanctuary, dedication of the Thomas Memorial Library and the inaugural organ concert by Gabriel Evans this Sunday. The sanctuary of the historic building on College Square was first dedicated in 1922 “This renovation was badly needed,” states… Read more.

After years of planning and waiting, work is progressing on our sanctuary refurbishments. Floors have been refinished in front of the organ and under all of the pews. The wall behind the organ has had unused and unsightly heating grills removed, and received a fresh coat of paint. Finally, new carpet has been installed in… Read more.

Work progressed swiftly this week after a weekend of letting the final floor coats dry. As of today (Tuesday) all of the pews have been relocated to their new positions, tightened, and been screwed together securely. The new angled side sections provides wider aisles and improved viewing angles. We’ve also left more room for wheelchairs… Read more.

On the back of each pew is a humble, but important part of our worship experience. Pew racks hold bibles for those seeking guidance, hymnals that help us lift our voice in song, and (often) a pencil stub to help keep young hands and minds occupied during services. Sadly, our current pew racks, installed in… Read more.

The first coats of stain and finish were laid down today in the sanctuary. In order to keep the dust to a bare minimum, please do not open doors or “peek,” while we let the finish harden.

Immediately after service on August 3, members and friends helped clear the pews of hymnals, bibles, and cushions and an intrepid crew began covering the organ with a plastic dust cover. The reason? Our long awaited carpet and flooring upgrade to the sanctuary! Step one was to remove the side and especially worn pews to… Read more.

On the eve of our first worship service in our renewed and renewing building, Pastors Kent and Rachel met with a stalwart late night group of members who offered a special midnight blessing of light and song for our re-entry. Gathering in the darkened sanctuary, the group joined in as the pastors came in singing… Read more.

Here are some pics of the latest work at the church. Best guess now is that we’ll get temporary occupancy around November 20, allowing us to start moving in desks and boxes. We are hoping that our first worship service back in the space will be December 2, but everything is subject to satisfactory inspections… Read more.