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THE MAPLE STREET CHAPEL

Reade Room Southwest Corner

History

(Good records are not available.  This history is a compilation of a few people's
  memories and "archeological evidence".)
The chapel was already 39 years old when, in 1909, "Cushing Hall" was built to the south of it.  At that time, the southwest corner of the Reade Room, which had been a plain corner, was opened up to a breezeway connecting the chapel to Cushing Hall.

Cushing Hall survived for 63 years until it was torn down in 1972.  At that time, a temporary reconstruction of the chapel's southwest corner was done, including an entry door.  In this picture, you can see the opening from the double-doorway, and the triangular soffit that once formed the beginning of the breezeway.

Stage 1  -  The New Door (April, 2005)

We did the best we could to reconcile our goal of being sensitive to the architectural style of the building vs. the requirements of function and safety in the 21st century.  The door had to be of steel construction and have a 90-minute fire rating, more than the usual "fire door".  This was not for the chapel's sake, but to protect the First Church building from having a fire spread from the chapel, due to the proximity of the two buildings (Conversely, the First Church multitorium has steel shutters that would automatically close over its windows to protect the chapel.).  The door also had to have panic-bar hardware.  Unfortunately, 90-minute-fire-rated doors are available in very few colors, and the best we could do is a poor color match for the rest of the room.  We will correct this with a dark stain.

The Big Change  -  Removal of Soffit and New Beaded Board (April, 2005)

After much deliberation, we decided to remove the triangular soffit and open up the corner.  The only difference in the end result from what we believe was the original 1870 appearance is the presence of the entry door.  The door used to be further north, between the sanctuary and the Reade Room.  We decided that restoring this configuration was not practical.
Step 1  -  The soffit was removed, and the wall was furred-out to be level with the old
                  walls.

Step 2  -  Beaded board and trim were applied to the walls and ceiling.

  

Step 3  -  The walls and ceiling were stained and varnished.

Step 4  -  A gel stain was applied to the door to make its color match the walls.  The white door jamb was painted a matching color.

Step 5  -  Trim was built on the exterior side of the door.