PROVIDENCE — Extensive renovations designed to improve the lighting and replace the flooring beneath the pews of the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul will lead to the closure of its upper level from July 1 through early September, with Masses being relocated during that time to the cathedral hall on the lower level.
The renovations, including needed repairs to rebuild decayed exterior window frames, began in June 2012 and finished last November.
The project, with a projected overall price tag of more than $1 million, represents some of the most significant improvements made to the structure since the late 1960s, according to the cathedral’s rector, Msgr. Anthony Mancini. At that time, new pews were added, along with integrated heating for worshippers, and new lighting was added.
The rector noted that when the upper level reopens in September following the current renovations, the cathedral, which in 1888 celebrated it first year of offering Masses, would begin a yearlong celebration of its 125th anniversary with a series of special spiritual, liturgical, cultural and social events to mark the significant milestone in its history.
Msgr. Mancini indicated that of the overall cost of the renovation, about three-quarters would be paid for through the cathedral’s endowment fund. The cathedral has recently launched a capital campaign entitled “Realizing the Dream,” to raise the remaining $250,000 needed to pay for the extensive work.
“It’s one of the most beautiful cathedrals in New England, and certainly among the most beautiful in the country,” Msgr. Mancini said of the structure, which is framed in Portland, Conn., brownstone — with a brick backup — and whose twin towers rise more than 150 feet over downtown Providence, the see of the diocese.
Work to repair the exterior wood frames of the stained glass windows, including two of the cathedral’s signature rose windows, as well as the renovation of the restrooms on the lower level already has been completed.
Last year staging was erected on the east and south sides of the cathedral to perform wood repair where epoxy was used to remedy decayed wooden framing holding in place the stained glass windows, including the large rose windows — which each measure 15 feet in diameter. The constant beating of the sun and exposure to the elements had taken its toll over the last 125 years, weakening the frames. The windows were repainted after repairs were complete.
But the bulk of the renovations, including the removal of all pews within the cathedral to replace the worn flooring beneath, and improvements to the lighting system that will restore the light level originally intended to illuminate the cavernous sacred space — which measures 75 feet from the floor to the ceiling, excluding the attic above — will take place when the upper level closes at the end of June, following the busy graduation season.
“The lighting improvements for the main worship space will improve brightness and extend the lamp life of the lights,” said Carol Ann Nelson, A.I.A., director of facilities for the diocese, and chief architect of the renovation project.
The existing fixtures will be retrofitted with state-of-the-art LED lighting units, which boast 40,000 hours of lamp life, compared to the 500 hours of life offered by the existing bulbs.
“The current bulbs burn out fast and generate a tremendous amount of heat,” Nelson said.
Another benefit to switching to the LED lighting units in the chandeliers is that they will continuously direct light upward toward the cathedral’s ornate ceiling as well as down, improving the overall aesthetics of the cathedral. Given the frequent burnouts of the existing lights, and the fact that the upper bulbs are especially difficult to access, many of those lights that have burned out have been left unchanged, dimming the view of the ceiling.
Changing the bulbs has involved the construction of a precarious makeshift platform over the rows of pews upon which ladders are delicately balanced to allow workmen to reach the lights. The process has been a daunting one, forcing workmen to mount the ladders to the top step in order to reach the bulbs. Unless many bulbs required changing at one time, the process has become too cumbersome and hazardous to undertake for individual lights.
“The big bonus is that we’re going to get uplight we haven’t had for years because we haven’t been changing the burned out bulbs,” Nelson said of the renovation plans, which call for long-lasting LED lighting.
Another facet of the renovation includes modifying the existing floor plan to include seating for 12-15 worshippers with physical challenges. Those seats will be situated between the organ and choir areas in the front rows.
Three rows of pews will also be removed across the center of the cathedral to create a cross aisle to help improve circulation as worshippers return to their seats after receiving the Eucharist.
In addition to the flow, the renovations will also improve the sounds associated with the Mass.
New gears will be added to the mechanism that controls the electronic bell system to ensure the bells chime in the towers as scheduled, and the pipes of the cathedral’s venerable organ, crafted by the Cassavant Brothers of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, will be cleaned and straightened as needed, improving their tone.
With the removal of the existing vinyl flooring requiring strict precautions be taken to prevent the spread of asbestos-containing materials, the organ and its pipes will have to be carefully wrapped to prevent contamination before any work on the floor can begin.
Before the oak pews are returned to their locations, the kneelers of each will receive new padding and a durable beige fabric covering.
The Vesting Sacristry and hallway behind the sanctuary are also slated to be spruced up, with each scheduled to receive new floor tiles, after the older tiles containing asbestos are removed.
“We’re going to have more economical and durable tile laid out in an attractive pattern,” said Nelson.
Until now, much of the ongoing work has been done behind the scenes, including the renovation of the lower level restrooms, with each receiving new stall partitions, ceiling and light fixtures.
And prior to the ordination of 23 men to the permanent diaconate in February, two new vestment closets for the clergy were created on the lower level.
The renovations are expected to close the cathedral’s upper level for about 12 weeks.
Realizing the Dream
For more information on giving in support of the cathedral renovation project and naming opportunities, please contact Rev. Msgr. Anthony Mancini at the cathedral office at: 401-331-2434, or online at dream@cathedralprovidence.org
