Parsonage Updates Complete
Parsonage Updates Complete
Last fall, when we held the Rebuild the Building Fund Fundraiser at the Mary Tyler Moore House, the Church Council wasn’t sure of the projects needed to be completed. We were all certain that the Parsonage, however, should be a high priority. The bathrooms, in particular, had not been touched in 50 years or more. The faucets were corroded, the enamel bathtubs were scratched and gray, and the tile was very worn. The structure of the house also limited the possibilities. We consulted with church member Jon Zachman of Ceramic Tileworks about making improvements to three bathrooms. He guided us to experienced craftsmen and provided tile for the renovation.
The renovation would have been enough of a disruption for the summer, but one afternoon as I was walking across the backyard, I noticed branches resting on the garage roof. With closer inspection, I discovered that the 100 + year old oak, which shades the parsonage and church, had split. I contacted our neighbor about what could or should be done. He immediately contacted an arborist who would try to save the tree. He began work immediately attempting to winch the tree back together. This became a multi-day operation of pruning and climbing up through the tree. The final step was to set several 5-foot metal screws through the tree and a metal cable further up in the crown. So far, the tree seems to be thriving, but there is an odd Frankenstein’s monster look to the bolts in the tree.
All projects in the parsonage are now complete.
