Centenary United
Methodist Church
Scope of Work
Full architectural services
Restoring the exterior masonry of the church.
Location
Beatrice, NE
History
The Centenary United Methodist Church was built in 1929.
Designed by Dougher, Rich and Woodburn Architects
Completion
Phase 1 is complete.
Phase 2 is currently active.
The Challenge
Our team faced numerous distinctive difficulties at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice, Nebraska. The degradation of the tower and specifically at the southwest spire was a particular concern and one of the most critical issues to be resolved. Repairs made after the lightning strike in the early 1990s were insufficient to stop the significant movement that followed. The tower as it stood prior to any recent renovation has portions that are misaligned, shifted and in some areas even dislodged. Displaced stones jeopardize the structural integrity of the spire.
Both churchgoers and the lower levels of the building are clearly in danger from the possibility of falling components. Many tiny finals and crockets are among those broken pieces. To prevent further falling pieces, the disassembly of the southwest spire occurred under the observation of qualified professionals to determine which stones needed to be replaced and to recommend measures for restoring the existing masonry.
Notes:
A significant structural problem was also presented at the west gable wall where the choir sits. On either side, there is a symmetrical breaking in the stones causing misalignment due to an outward displacement. Again, a qualified professional was brought in for evaluation and correction of an issue with the initial structural design.
Some parts of the façade in other areas have less critical issues again with difficulties in resolution. In contrast to how the stone naturally evolved, many of the stones at the building corners were laid with their sediment layers oriented vertically and therefore show signs of delamination. Some stones were experiencing severe surface erosion and spalling to the point where surfaces had retreated past the mortar’s edge. Warm, wet sections of the building that are shielded from sunshine support the growth of black lichen. When lichen dries and is swept away by rain, the lichen areas leave black lines on the stones below. In mortar joint gaps that require re-pointing, the type of mortar will be changed replacing a cool-gray mortar as applied with a warm-gray mortal like the original mortar type.
The Strategy
Berggren Architects provided the Centenary United Methodist Church with a comprehensive report which included six major tasks to under take in order of priority.
While some of the tower repairs can be made in situ, other sections, including the entire southwest spire, must be taken down, disassembled, and the stone pieces reset. Disassembling the spire provides a valuable opportunity to investigate potential design flaws within all four spires.
Traditional Dutchman patches will be used where possible for areas of missing stone. The small corner pinnacles will be redesigned to be re-pinned n the method recommended by the stone fabricator. They will also be pinned further from the edge, lessening the potential for fracture and falling incidents.
Notes:
We have identified the structural deficiency of the gable wall to be the internal steel structure. The ends of the gable are supported by two columns which were designed without sufficient lateral support for their height.
Wherever visible, areas of missing stone will be replaced using a Dutchman patch, while areas of damaged stone will be repaired with stone epoxy. For small holes, fractures in still-solid stone, and delamination in remote locations, lime putty will be used. Areas of slick, dark-gray mortar will be re-pointed with mortar matching the original. The lichen, identified as a purely cosmetic issue, may be removed with a chemical cleaner. The reconstruction of the front steps and completion of the storm sewer will occur around this phase.
Other restoration tasks include improving the wood fascia behind the gutters and repairing the deteriorating interior plaster walls.
The Results
The observatory restoration project was completed in 1995. It was immediately opened to the public with a successful ribbon cutting ceremony. The time-keeping ball, now inside on its mount, was one of less than eight time balls dropped at midnight of New Year's Eve, 1999. The telescope remains operational to this day and is regularly used for sky-viewing, including to view the lunar eclipse of May 2022.
Janet Jeffries, our architectural historian and faculty member of Doane University, is responsible for managing public events and tour at the observatory.
More about the
Educational Centers
Category
Our Process
We listen to you
We are preservation architects, let’s get together and talk about your project. Once we know your ideas, we can start your project in the right directions.
We involve you in the planning
We make it happen
What We Offer
Restoration
We offer restoration and preservation of your historic structures. Using extraordinary materials and craftsmanship, our historic structures are a lasting tribute to the people for whom they were built.
Consulting
We offer consulting services to both general clients and professional clients in sharing our knowledge and expertise in the area of historic preservation. Our master planning and preservation planning prepares our clients to be better able to plan for the life of their historic structures and districts.
New Construction
We know the meaning of sustainability because of our in-depth work with structures which have stood the test of time. We offer sustainable and green new construction which is historically sympathetic, including in the form of additions.
Our Team
Jerry L. Berggren, AIA
Garry Martin
Farheen Sirajuddin
Janet Jeffries
Brandy Nguyen
Alexi Caines
Kameron Dadgostar
Leroy Svatora, AIA
