As you may have noticed, the brick wall at the public entrance to the sanctuary is overtaking the Rugby Road sidewalk and is in jeopardy of falling. The large ash tree, which is pushing the wall over, is in an advanced state of decline. A Session-appointed committee has worked diligently to develop a renovation plan to improve this area. Come to an information meeting to be held immediately following the 11 a.m. service this Sunday, March 1, in the library.
The project includes:
- Removing the dying ash tree and adding landscape plantings and a small ornamental tree
- Removing the leaning and bowed section of the wall and rebuilding it in line with the side sections of the wall
- Widening the entrance openings by 6″ to allow two persons to enter side by side
- Using bricks salvaged from the demolition so that at least the side of the new wall facing the public street matches the rest of the wall
- Sloping the sidewalk from the landing at the foot of the sanctuary steps gradually downward to reduce from four to two steps at the southern entrance from the public sidewalk
- Eliminating the steps on the northern entrance at the public sidewalk to provide a handicap-accessible ramp
- Adding sidewalk lighting for safety.
- Establishing a more identifiable and welcoming public pedestrian entrance to Westminster Presbyterian Church!