Background | Current Priority: The Roof

Emanuel Lutheran Church, built in the 19^th century, presents a challenge that is common among large Church building throughout the city of Philadelphia: How do we keep a large well-built building in good repair so that it can serve the present and future generations within its walls? Due to changing demographics, neighborhood economics, and past decades of neglect the Congregation at Emanuel faces a monumental task in restoring and maintaining the building for active use.

The process began in 1997 when a $32,000.00 window restoration project was undertaken to put the windows back in working order and weatherize them. Why restore instead of replace? There were three reasons: aesthetics, quality of building materials and cost. Much of the character of the building, both inside and out relates to the style of its windows. Cost to replace with new similar windows would be prohibitive. Furthermore, modern wood does not have the tight grain and high resin content that 19^th century lumber has which makes it much more resistant to both weather and rot. Hence, by restoring the sound lumber in our existing windows we would have a longer lasting product than by replacing with new construction. The project was financed by a small grant from Philadelphia Historic Preservation Corporation, a Capital drive within the Congregation, and a bank loan. Now almost five years later we have almost fulfilled our loan obligation.

In 2001 Emanuel was also able to clear an outstanding debt from 1986 for the restoration and maintenance of the Steeple. For this we thank all of our friends: individuals, members and non-member, and congregations, far and near. Through the help of these friends, a matching grant from the ELCA, and special funding from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod a very sizable debt was retired. We can now look to the future without this burden.

The present priority is to replace the roof.

The roof was last replaced in the 1960s. The asphalt shingles are blowing off the building with regularity and leaks have sprung up as a consequence. Plaster is deteriorating within the building. Although we have done repairs, the extent of the deterioration requires that the roof be replaced. Also at issue is replacement of gutter linings, restoration of soffits, and pointing of deteriorating brickwork near the roofline and downspout areas. The repair work will require scaffolding to access these high locations. Scaffolding for just the roofing is estimated to cost $26,000. It will cost more to accommodate masons and carpenters to work at the top of the walls.

Conservative estimates place this project at $200,000. Realistic estimates, that include essential work at the top of the walls, are closer to $300,000. This is almost an overwhelming fund raising project but must be tackled if the building is to be protected from devastating deterioration from leaks. Once this is accomplished, future attention will be focused upon maintenance of the steeple, renovation of the first floor, and adaptation and restoration of the Sanctuary for multi-purpose use. We look forward to the future with all its hurdles knowing that God has blessed us with his presence and will give us strength to meet this challenge.

Donations to the Roof Replacement Fund are appreciated.