RE-DEDICATION OF SANCTUARY

For ten weeks this summer our congregation met in the Great Hall of All Saints’ Episcopal Church while the sanctuary was re-painted, floors and pews refinished, stained glass windows and lights thoroughly cleaned, sound system upgraded, and pews from the main level installed in the balcony.

This, the fourth house of worship built by the congregation since its founding in around 1745, was constructed between 1848 and 1850.  The interior is distinctive for its square, tabernacle- or auditorium-style design, unlike the usual rectangular shape.  Robert Mills, nationally known and distinguished Baltimore architect of the early 19th century, introduced this style of church interior to an era, then, of “Great Preaching,” where the listeners were brought closer to the pulpit.

 In 1891, the side galleries were removed, stained glass windows installed, and the centrally located pulpit cut down, made into an altar, and placed against the rear wall of the chancel.  (The new beechwood pews bore brass numbered plates to identify those rented by members.)  The present altar, the mosaic of Jesus overhead, and other marble furnishings were added in 1912.   The present pipe organ was installed in 1964 as part of an anniversary celebration.

On December 10, 2005, the old oil furnace below the sanctuary malfunctioned, causing either an overload or an incomplete combustion episode that filled the entire room with black smoke.  Cleaning was quickly done in order to have services the next day.  Three years later, after re-examining the smoke damage, an inquiry was made to the Travelers Insurance Company about coverage for cleaning and, if necessary, painting.  It was determined that the damage was indeed covered, but due to the time lapse between the smoke incident and filing the claim, the room could not be simply cleaned but had to be re-painted.  Soot that had stood too long on the porous plaster walls made cleaning ineffective.

Considering the work needed in addition to painting (repairing cracks in the plaster walls and updating the overall appearance of the sanctuary while maintaining its historical integrity), the congregation voted in March of this year to re-paint the walls (changing the accent color from a  light olive to a historic blue), replace the red carpet with blue, refurbish and refinish the pews, replace the old seating in the balcony with historic pews, re-cover the horsehair pew cushions with a blue fabric, make major repairs to the organ, and update the sound system.   A capital funds campaign, initiated under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Robert Peters, Jr., was co-chaired by Gerry Blessing and Patti Patterson.  A goal of $200,000 was established; to date, $217,000 has been raised or pledged.

Church member Andy Johnston served as project coordinator for this work and utilized many other members as well: Doug Bailey, oversight of the painting and color selection, and John Albertson, pew refurbishing.  Also, Gaylon Cornell and John Albertson reconfigured the balcony and, along with others, did the carpentry. 

The total cost of the project was close to $300,000.  However, the insurance payment and funds from the capital campaign, as well as the many hours of volunteer time and expertise given by church members, kept costs much lower than anticipated.

The following contractors were utilized during the project: Doug Bailey, DAB Interiors; Carroll Creek Refinishers; Chapin Residential and Commercial,LLC; International Wall Design; Crum Electric; Potomac Tile and Carpet; Jerry Stull Floors; Lewis and Hitchcock (organ); Waggoners Pew Cushions; and Audio Visual Group.  

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”