What Should a Church Committee Ask Before Replacing Its Pews?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Before replacing pews, a church committee should understand their current structural condition, what problems replacement is intended to solve, whether repair or restoration is practical, how a change affects the sanctuary and flooring, and what historically or congregationally significant elements need to be preserved.

BEFORE THE COMMITTEE VOTES—

MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS VOTING ON THE SAME PROJECT.

QUESTION 1

WHAT PROBLEM ARE WE TRYING TO SOLVE?

Write it down.

Examples:

Structural condition

Appearance

Comfort

Flooring

Layout

Accessibility

Seating capacity

Maintenance

QUESTION 2

WHAT CONDITION ARE THE PEWS ACTUALLY IN?

Do not assume appearance equals structural condition.

QUESTION 3

CAN SOME OR ALL OF THE EXISTING PEWS BE REPAIRED OR RESTORED?

Understand the alternative before eliminating it.

QUESTION 4

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE FLOOR?

Removing or changing pews can affect:

Attachment points

Floor repairs

Refinishing

Carpet

Layout

Project sequencing

QUESTION 5

WHAT ABOUT PLAQUES AND MEMORIALS?

Document them before anything moves.

QUESTION 6

ARE WE CHANGING THE SANCTUARY LAYOUT?

That may involve considerations beyond woodworking.

Appropriate building, accessibility and design professionals should address requirements within their expertise.

QUESTION 7

WHAT WILL BE SAVED?

Create three lists:

RESTORE

REUSE

REPLACE

QUESTION 8

HOW WILL THE PROJECT BE PHASED?

Consider:

Worship schedule

Other construction

Flooring

Painting

Electrical work

Access to the sanctuary

Do not assume a schedule until the actual project is evaluated.