October 9 - The Chronicler Catches Up

Trimming the Humboldt Window -

Ben has been working diligently to trim the heritage window now installed on the back wall of the sanctuary. Since the window frame has an arched top, the trim must follow the same curve. So the first trick is to find a tree that followed the same course when it grew. One was found.

Then the cooperative tree slab is cut with a saber saw following a more precise line.

Once cut, a little sanding takes down the rough surface. Ben periodically ascends the scissor lift to try the pieces in place, just to make sure they will do the job.




















Dave applies the decorator-selected
paint color to the box around the window.

As of my last visit, the trim boards had not been varnished. I will have to update the progress on my coming visits. I am getting anxious to see the finished product.






Completing the Pews - 
Assembled pews take up a lot of room. Spraying varnish requires a lot of open space. The building is only so big. The net result is that the pews need to be jockeyed around to complete the job.

Kevin and Matt cover the already finished pews that must share space in the spray booth.

Brian Strand, a newcomer to our congregation, jumps right into the building project. Here Brian works with Sam touching up bare spots with color crayon. 

I recall my mother scolding me when I used crayon on furniture as a child. I guess the rules change for adults. They are not displaying their artistic talents as I was inclined to do. They are eliminating blemishes so that makes it copacetic.

To free up space in the spray booth, the already sprayed pews have to be moved before the last coat of varnish is dry to the touch. Drawing on technique developed by the sedan chair carriers, Dave, Matt, Phil and Kevin carefully maneuver a still wet pew out of the sanctuary and into the dining room where it can dry undisturbed.

The entourage exits the spray booth. This may be good practice for a new career either serving the emperor or the funeral director.

The last two pews, touched up and sprayed. Another big step towards a completed church.








Trimming Windows -
Bob gives machinist-trained Bill a pointer or two on installing the window trim.

Despite the wood not being as accommodating as tool steel, Bill perseveres and successfully completes the job.

Greg Koivisto, a really-o, truly-o window trimmer from the neighboring Cokato congregation lends a helping hand. We are thankful for the many neighbors that have given of their time and talent on our behalf.



















Is the Outside Painting All Done? -
Peter painter daubs color on the doorway trim. I am not certain, but this task may complete the outside painting.

  At least, I think Peter hopes so. The weather is turning a bit chilly these days.





















Just Plane Ed -
Ed and his son Justin team up to use the planer to make riser pieces from unused pew parts. It seems to require running the boards through the planer a few times to take off the thick part of the piece and to adjust the board to the final thickness.

Their diligence paid off as you can see the size large pile of sawdust accumulated by the end of the evening.



















Darkness Falls -

With the fading of the daylight comes the rising of the harvest moon.