The next phase will include installation of a new ark, a new back wall of the pulpit, new carpeting and new pews to fit the semi-circular arrangement. That work will take place in November and December, when there are no large activities scheduled for the room. The entire project will be completed by January 7, 2000. A lot of other work was completed before the scaffolding went up in the sanctuary last June. A new roof was placed on the main building and the education building.
More work is yet to be done on the education building roof.
Still, the process used in the renovation drew heated criticism, which surfaced at the Sept. 1 congregational meeting. This was the first meeting where congregants could discuss the renovations, and only 40 attended - including committee members and contractor representatives. Kimerling criticized the lack of opportunity for congregants to be part of the process. No matter how beautiful the results will be, I would like the leadership to reexamine its attitude toward its members. Many of those who were on the committees admitted it was a mistake not to have more input and involvement.