Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc.
What Should a Church Save During a Sanctuary Renovation?
DIRECT ANSWER:
Before demolition, churches should document and evaluate pews, altar furnishings, memorials, donor plaques, doors, trim, paneling, cabinetry and distinctive architectural woodwork. Even damaged pieces may provide important historical or fabrication references.
THE WORST TIME TO DISCOVER SOMETHING MATTERED TO THE CONGREGATION
IS AFTER IT LEFT IN A DUMPSTER.
PEWS
Document:
Layout
Quantity
Length
Ends
Kneelers
Hardware
Plaques
Condition
ALTAR AND CHANCEL FURNISHINGS
Photograph and identify:
Altars
Pulpits
Lecterns
Communion tables
Chairs
Rails
Other wood furnishings
MEMORIALS AND DONOR INFORMATION
Record:
Names
Dates
Inscriptions
Original locations
Associated furnishings
DOORS AND ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK
Document:
Doors
Frames
Trim
Molding
Paneling
Cabinetry
Built-ins
SAVE REPRESENTATIVE MATERIAL
Even when something cannot be reused completely, a surviving component may provide:
Profile
Dimensions
Construction reference
Design information
Frequently asked questions
SHOULD DAMAGED CHURCH WOODWORK BE SAVED?
Representative material may still be useful.
SHOULD DONOR PLAQUES BE DOCUMENTED?
Yes.
SHOULD EVERYTHING OLD BE PRESERVED?
No. Evaluate significance, condition and project needs.
WHEN SHOULD DOCUMENTATION HAPPEN?
Before demolition.
BEFORE YOUR CHURCH REPLACES IT, LET US SEE IT.
Pews, church furnishings, doors and architectural woodwork may have restoration or repair options worth understanding before replacement.
Send Lloyd’s photos and basic project information to begin the conversation.
BEFORE IT LEAVES THE SANCTUARY—
DOCUMENT IT.