Primer and Copper

Inside the Cathedral, the sanctuary is prepared for the return of a huge lift crane to move the painters up to the ceiling. Other painters are in the nave applying a white base coat to the columns and to the molding that runs throughout the lower church.

Outside and above the nave, roofers have installed the first section of shiny bright copper roofing. The black paper or fabric is a material that separates the copper from the metal decking. It will prevent any electrical or galvanic action between the two metals.

Painting: Trimming the windows

Painters have built scaffolding in the nave to provide easy access to the windows. In the sanctuary, the painters are using plaster or spackle to repair the walls.

Meanwhile, daily Mass is downstairs in the Chapel of Peace.

Painting the Church's Interior

Monsignor Gier is giving instructions to the painting crews. They will be working on the Sanctuary during Lent, when there are no weddings. After Lent, the painters will continue to work their way around the interior of the Cathedral.

Another Photo of the Demolition of the central Spire

Work on the Central Spire Begins!

Our roofers have removed an enormous patch of rotten wood and old aluminum shingles. They will replace it with more metal decking.

The Second Spire is nearly done

The aluminum decking on the second small spire is nearly done. Click on the photo for a closeup. The next project is to dismantle and replace the decking on the largest spire. After the largest spire receives its decking, roofers will install the copper roof.

New Lighting in the Sacristy

Here are some photos of the new lights in the Sacristy and the hallway behind the high altar. The light bulbs are compact fluorescents.

Work Proceeds despite a rainy day

Today is overcast and rainy, but work continues on the spires. This photo of the second spire shows that most of the work on it is finished.