May 21, 2020

Second Presbyterian's Property Committee is sleep deprived! We are required 24/7 to be on call for the ills and improvements of our Church. Should we be caught sleeping during Cress' s sermons it is not without respect but the cause is certainly fatigue. With the current pandemic our priority has been maintaining the campus that serves as the physical center of our congregation. With the approach of Summer a message from on high has determined that we shift our focus to the repair of our steeple that was visited by a bolt from out of the blue that caused a fire and required structural repairs.

Older historic structures such as the tower of our church require not just a construction company but a craftsman steeped in the service of the 'St. Martins in the Field' type of architecture we possess. After long and careful consideration, the working subcommittee has determined that the proper party should be the firm of Russell Smith who has guided and coordinated the issue from day one. This young man is wise beyond his years and has the proper deportment to lead us in bringing back our Church to it proper appearance. He has an understanding of the needs and quality of the efforts we require. This subcommittee is composed of Elder Rob McCready and non-serving Elders Brad Milner and Pat Mellen, a long time chair of Property, who is serving as sub chair for this issue. This powerful subcommittee will submit its findings to the Session and oversee the completion of this major undertaking. They have high confidence in Mr. Smith's ability and prior work record which includes work on our church.

This work includes but is not limited to structural, electrical and fire prevention devices. In other issues the repainting and repair of our Meeting Street facade will be restarted along with a list of everyday issues· we face. We would ask that members of our congregation support the undertaking and the companies.

The Tower is not a place for those that use proper discretion to visit. Should anyone care to wonder why, we would suggest that they turn to Brad Milner for a colorful description. Following the repairs and the cleaning the sub chair will offer his normal tours upon demand for those that are not fainthearted.

Pat Mellen, committee sub-chair