This volume of Construction News contains the following articles: "Something New, Something Old", "Preschool Opens on Time!", and "Fran Moves to the Chapel".

Something New, Something Old

This past week saw something new and something old in the sanctuary.

With the floor of the chancel finally taking shape, the “twin towers”, the subwoofers we described in the last volume of “Covenant Construction News”, were laid to rest – on the floor under the chancel.  When the sound system is installed as one of the final steps in the sanctuary renovation, the subwoofers will become part of the sound system.

“Something old” is the marble cross which at one time hung in the sanctuary.  For years it was stored in the room behind the balcony.  Now it has been cleaned up and restored to its beauty. And, this week it was returned to its former place.  For those of you who wonder, Roy Nichols weighed the cross while it was in storage – it weighs 400 pounds!!

Work continues in the sanctuary.  The chancel is taking shape, some of the lighting is in, the panels on the front wall (used for video projection) have been installed and the side panels are nearly ready.  The video/sound room is taking shape as well.  The current estimate is that all construction, interiors work, and reinstallation of the pews will be completed in time for the sanctuary to open for services in mid-October.  Rebecca Sconyers is planning a celebration at that time!

Preschool Opens on Time!

The first requirement that our contractor, Turner Universal was given was that the Covenant Preschool had to open on time!  Classes were scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 12.  And they did!

Subcontractors worked extra hours during the day and also on Saturdays in order to get work done on the renovated men’s and women’s bathrooms and to get the water service back in operation.

They are still putting the finishing touches on the bathrooms and also working on the new “kitchenette” and pantry, but none of the work is interfering with preschool and the children have a good, safe environment in which to learn.

It took a big effort and a spirit of cooperation among the preschool staff and the subcontractors to make it all happen.  We thank God for giving everyone wisdom and heart to make the deadline!

Fran Moves to the Chapel

With efforts by Fran, Dick Felix, and Troy Hester, the move of Fran Gibbons, financial and pastoral secretary to the Chapel was completed on Friday, August 22.  Turner will soon take over the area containing Fran’s and Hal’s offices in order to install an elevator and remodel Hal’s office into the Covenant Library.