Unity Church Restoration Project

Phase 1 - Exterior

Phase 1 deals with the exterior of the Unity Church building.  The goal of Phase 1 is to seal the building, stemming the influx of water into the interior of the structure.  To accomplish this, the entire roof, cricket and gutter system will be addressed.  In addition, the mortar locking the stone walls together will be inspected, cleaned and replaced wherever necessary.  As this is an enormous project, the restoration will be addressed in sub-phases.

Phase 1a has been completed.  Structural reinforcements have been added to the interior walls of the steeple at the bell chamber level to stop the slow, but steady outward drifts of the walls.  Structural engineers have determined that the walls closest to the louvers have pushed outwards over the past 130 years.  This is most noticeable in the southwest corner of the bell tower.  To stop the outward push, anchor brackets were attached to the existing stone.  Then, metal support beams were attached to these brackets. 

Phase 1b is the complete restoration of the bell tower and spire of Unity Church and well as the entry vestibule to the bell tower.  Work started in May, 2007.  Using external scaffolding and lift trucks, workers clean the stonework and remove the old mortar.  The decorative mortar is removed first, then the bedding mortar between the stonework is cleaned out.  New mortar is installed.  Parging on the interior walls of the bell tower is removed.  Also during this phase, the wood work is restored, repairing and repainting the louvers.  The external doors of the church are refinished.