How Should a Church Preserve Donor Plaques and Memorials During Renovation?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Before removing or altering church furnishings, photograph and document donor plaques, memorial plates, inscriptions and other identifying elements. Label their original locations and decide whether they will be preserved in place, removed and reinstalled, relocated or otherwise incorporated into the renovation plan.

TO ONE PERSON, IT'S A SMALL BRASS PLAQUE.

TO A FAMILY, IT MAY REPRESENT THREE GENERATIONS.

Renovation decisions should recognize that difference.

PHOTOGRAPH BEFORE REMOVAL

Capture:

Full furnishing

Close-up of plaque

Text

Location

Orientation

Nearby landmarks

CREATE A SIMPLE RECORD

Include:

Plaque text

Original location

Associated pew or furnishing

Condition

Removal date if applicable

Intended disposition

DO NOT MIX UNLABELED PLAQUES

If multiple memorial elements are removed, keep them organized.

A box of identical-looking plates without documentation can become a major problem later.

DECIDE THE FUTURE LOCATION EARLY

Possibilities may include:

Return to original furnishing

Transfer to restored furnishing

Relocate to a memorial display

Preserve separately

The congregation should determine the appropriate treatment.

REMEMBER NON-METAL MEMORIALS

Memorial information may also appear as:

Carved inscriptions

Painted names

Engraved wood

Dedication panels

Labels

Historic records