The new floor and the new beams. The new floor consists of 2 x 6 lumber, and the new beams are pressure-treated 2 x 10’s laminated together, six pieces to make one beam.
This is the gong that sounds the bell for funerals. When used in this way, the bell is stationery and the gong swings against the bell to make a tolling sound. (For regular ringing of the bell, the bell actually swings back and forth.)
The bell, viewed from above. You can see the wheel that swings the bell. The contractor has put fresh grease on the shaft that it swings on.
Taken from the upper level of the bell tower, showing the new flooring and the reinforced supports for the steeple.
We are awaiting the new copper roof to be installed on the outside of this section. All the seams will be leaded. Work will start on Monday, Feb. 6, and will be finished in about 2 weeks.
Looking up through the tower, showing the bell from underneath, and the partially removed section of the tower roof.
The work has begun on the bell tower. Photos courtesy of Barrie Schroeder
Both new beams are in place. Looking up at the bell, which is presently suspended by heavy nylon straps.
Shows the rot on one of the beams, leaving very little support for the bell.
Taken in the Upper Room, shows parts of supporting beams that have been removed.
View of scaffolding outside the steeple. Workers in process of removing flat roof portion around base of steeple, atop the tower.
Looking up through the tower, showing the bell from underneath, and the partially removed section of the tower roof.
Installation of first new support beam for the bell. It consists of 6, 2 x 10 pressure treated timbers laminated together.
