Our beautiful new nave

Major renovations are winding down, and the iconostasis is going up!

December was a month of ups and downs. Once the floors were installed and mostly stained, our contractor needed a special-ordered piece of curved wood to complete the ambon and stain the stage (future altar space).

As we considered whether to move forward without that piece of wood (temporarily), we received word from the Fire Marshal about some additional requirements we’d need to address in order to receive our occupancy certificate. All the pre-Nativity move-in plans came to a screeching halt as we quickly engaged an architect to create a life safety plan, which addresses the specific requirements for fire exits in places of assembly. At this time, all paperwork has been submitted to the City of Raleigh, and we’re awaiting their response.

Meanwhile, the long-awaited curved wood arrived, which meant that the ambon could be completed as designed.

The entire nave has been painted, and Jim and Rob have made a great deal of progress on the iconostasis. Last weekend, the contractors completed staining and sealing all of the hardwoods.

The nave is beautiful, warm, and welcoming. God-willing, we’re getting close!

Outside, the parking lot has been re-sealed and striped. It gave the entire property a facelift.