Thursday, January 25: From Doug's e-mail message to the congregation

Cleaning, painting, and disinfecting continue in all areas of the building. Significant progress continues to be made in a satisfactory manner, and we have been conferring with our architect and other contractors concerning the scope of work to be done in the coming weeks. We've had a few organ specialists come in to examine the organ and make recommendations as to cleaning and repair.

I've learned some fascinating details about this magnificent instrument: it was built by William Mellor in 1967, and it has 4 manuals, 63 ranks, and 3,743 pipes. That's a lot of cleaning!

Tuesday, January 16: From Doug's e-mail message to the congregation

   
Overview of the "scaffolded" sanctuary from the rear balcony and view of the rear wall from the dance floor

     
A close-up of the ceiling ornamentation and the Rose window from the dance floor

"I climbed the scaffolding in the sanctuary this morning and took a few pictures from the 'dance floor.' It's very impressive up there! The detailed work in the lights and ceiling, things I always took for granted, are really amazing from up close. There are crews using shop vacs to clean dirt and soot from every tiny crevice. Inspections, repairs, painting, etc. will soon follow. From the dance floor to the ceiling, it's probably another 20 - 25 feet. So another rolling scaffold has been constructed to permit the actual ceiling work to be done."

Sunday, January 14: Worshippers entering the sanctuary were awestruck as they took in the sight of scaffolding in place the full length and height of every wall and up every aisle, culminating in a platform just below what has been described in historical narratives as a 68-foot ceiling and running the entire length of the auditorium. The platform – known as a "dance floor" – provides workers with safe access to the ornate plastered ceiling for cleaning and repair. During the service the congregation was able to extend its thanks to Father James Conroy, a Jesuit priest, who while on a "power walk" through the downtown on January 1 smelled smoke and traced it to Smithfield United Church. It is he who alerted the police officer who called in the fire. Nan Foltz, congregation president, told Father Conroy that at Smithfield Church he would always be remembered as "the priest who did NOT cross to the other side of the road."

Wednesday, January 10: Scaffolding has been erected in the nave and altar areas and will be erected throughout the sanctuary to permit cleaning and inspection of the organ, windows, light fixtures, walls and ceiling. The social hall is completely gutted. A much welcomed guest at worship on January 14 is the person who discovered the fire and reported it to the police officer. We look forward to expressing our gratitude to him.

From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, January 10
Smithfield United's loss tempered by what is saved
Places: The architecture of Pittsburgh

Sunday, January 7 The Sacrament of Holy Communion, the installation of church officers, a time for children, drums, singing, a congregation of folks from Smithfield Church, the African Fellowship that worships here also, friends and neighbors from around the city – this is the Church, these are the people, together lifting their voices in praise and thanksgiving to God.

See also

Early Days: Story and pictures from January 1 - 4, 2007

  – through you and me!