As you know by now, a ceiling sprinkler head in the hall outside the upstairs kitchen failed the night of Sunday, January 16, resulting in substantial water damage to the core of the building on all three floors. The primary damaged areas are the interior hallways, the copier room, Jennie’s office, and the multipurpose room downstairs. Gratefully, the Sanctuary side of the building was not affected in any way; likewise, clergy offices, the library, the elevator, and other major equipment (except the copier) were unaffected.
The fire alarm system triggered the Lincoln Fire Department, which responded quickly and turned off the water; they also notified church staff. Although the water did not run for long, it was at a high volume. Our multi-talented maestro, Jay, and his wife, Jean, being the only ones able to respond immediately, went over late Sunday night and moved or covered items being dripped on (HUGE thanks to Jay and Jean!).
Insurance claims were filed right away with Church Insurance Group and ServPro’s drying equipment was up and running by Tuesday evening. The cause of the sprinkler failure is still under investigation; it was probably not due to freezing. The affected areas are now completely dried out, and all of the wet materials – carpets, insulation, ceiling tiles, wallboard – have been removed, as has the drying equipment. We expect to be able to start reconstruction very soon.
For now, the building remains closed while we relocate some staff offices and set up construction perimeters. Please assume no in-person activities for at least another week. Some previously scheduled activities may need to be relocated elsewhere in the building or re-scheduled. If you have questions or need anything, please email Jennie at parishoffice@stanneslincoln.org. This coming Sunday, January 30, we will again have one 10 am Zoom service of Morning Prayer, preceded by a 9 am zoom forum on the 2022 budget and a revision of our bylaws. We will let you know as soon as possible about the resumption of in-person services and limited in-person activities. Thank you for your patience and your good wishes!
Tom Shively & Carol Carmody, Wardens