Pew Research - First Congregational Church of Ripon

Sacred Space Committee-Pew Research
November 15, 2015
Facts about Current Pews
Origination
Current State
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Built in 1866-1868, original to the building
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Pine construction
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At least three different types of paint: Oil,
Lead, and Milk Paint
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60% with major cracks and defects More damage likely during removal.
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The wall between represents a New
England style structure which allowed
families to “purchase” a section for seating.
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Loose pew cushions--many stained
and worn
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Seats are 14” high and 13 ¾” deep.
(Modern standards are 18” high and
16 inches deep.)
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Seating capacity: Approximately 300
Advice from Scott Bedomme
Pew Refinishing and wood restoration for liturgical and public projects
“Very few churches have chosen to restore pews from this era. Restoration would
maintain a unique element of the sanctuary.”
“The refinishing of good quality existing church pews, in general, is about 1/3 the
cost of purchasing similarly structured new pews. On a per lineal foot basis church
pew restoration and/or refinishing cost starts at $60 per foot and can range up to
$100 per foot. The variables are project specific.”
Please note: In our case, because of the extent of the repairs, it would cost about
$177 per linear foot, rather than $60-$100.
What is a “Major
Defect?”
Brackets applied in many seat-backs over the
years to offer support to cracking pews
Cracks the length of the pews on approximately 60% of
pews. Many are reinforced underneath with brackets, and
have been painted over.
What is a “Major
Defect?”
Some pews experiencing separation at wall.
Many pews have staples sticking out of the bottom from
former upholstery (?) -- safety hazard for children.
Scott
Beddome
Gallery
Scott
Beddome
Gallery
Before
After
New Pew Facts
Bracy and Associates
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New Holland, Michigan
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American-Made
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Made in collaboration with our
wants and needs, specific to our
space
Look of New Pews
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Custom made, hardwood end-caps to match
look of current pews
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Options include: solid hardwood or 5-layer
hardwood laminate
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Can combine painted seats and backs with
wood finish frame
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Pew chairs would match the “geometry” of
the pews
Advice from Bracy & Associates
“Our philosophy is that if the existing furniture can be restored and put back in
place for 50%-60% of the replacement costs, have your furniture restored. If the
restoration will cost you 60-75%+ of the cost of new pews, carefully consider your
goals. New pews will provide a brand new, long warranty. When you have your
furniture restored, it will not come back as brand new. It is the same furniture, only
repaired to look like it has been lovingly cared for over the years.”
Bracy & Associates also does pew restoration. We were told that even if we were
willing to pay them more, they would be unwilling to restore our pews.
Bracy and
Associates
Gallery
Bracy and
Associates
Gallery
Bracy and
Associates
Gallery
Bracy and
Associates
Gallery
Bracy and
Associates
Gallery
Restoring Current Pews
Pros of Restoring Pews
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Maintains original sanctuary
component
Minor improvements are
possible - increase seat
height, shortened for wider
aisles.
Can purchase new pew
seating pads
Cons of Restoring Pews
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Current pews are removed in pieces, not as entire sections.
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Disassembly could compromise pew integrity.
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Bid for restoration of pews does not include new cushions,
book racks, balcony seating, etc.
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Restoration cannot improve comfort (i.e. straight back, low
seat can be improved, but not to current standards,
narrow seat)
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Bid does not currently include pew chairs in first two rows
Replacing Pews
Pros of Replacing Pews
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Maintains historic, traditional look
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Guaranteed longer functionality (25 year
warranty, but likely to last more than 100
years)
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More comfortable (deeper seats, higher seats,
tilted backs)
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Built for size of 21st century people
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Option to incorporate original pews as
narthex bench and/or balcony pews
Cons of Replacing Pews
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Attachment to historic component
of sanctuary
New Pew Option - Mitered Pews
Add diagram
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216 pew seats
40 pew chairs
256 Total on the main floor
Upholstered seats
Custom pew ends
Increased leg room
Maintains current sight lines
New Pew Option - Radius Pews
Add diagram
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Historically appropriate - Curved
pews were common in mid-19th
century churches
10% more seating than mitered
seating plan
Upholstered seats
Custom pew ends
Increased leg room
Improves current sight lines
Curved seats create greater sense of
community
Pew End Detail - replicated from current
Cost Comparison - Renovation vs. New Pews
Renovating Current Pews
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Bid for restoration of pews $69,400
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New cushions $8,904
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Pews for balcony $4,848
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Book racks, cupholders, card and
pencil holders approximately $2,500
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Total - $85,652
Purchasing New Pews
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Plan A - Mitered pews with pew chairs and
seat cushions Opt. 1 - $59,982 - All Sapele wood finish
Opt. 2 - $60,158 - Painted white with
wood finish (as is now)
Plan B - Radius pews with pew chairs and seat
cushions Opt. 1 - $60,567 - all Sapele wood finish
Opt. 2 - $61,808 - painted white with
wood finish (as is now)
Balcony - New pews - $4,848