Narrated by Heidi Goebel, FELC Property Committee
Perhaps some of you have admired the lovely original light fixture outside the south narthex doors. It has served us well for almost 85 years. Maybe you’ve also noticed that its twin is nowhere to be found on the opposite side of the building, by the north narthex doors.
At some point it was removed, and a utility-type fixture was installed in its place. As they say, the details are lost to history. That utility fixture is old and damaged; the bulb housing is cracked, wires are exposed and it’s just ugly.
Last December, Tim Atkinson, Terry Porter and I were out by the south entry discussing concrete work associated with the narthex door restoration project. I remarked on the charm of the original fixture there and lamented the fact that its mate had gone missing. Terry disappeared for a minute or two and returned with the missing fixture – sans glass lens! It had been stashed in the basement.
After a few false starts, I dropped by Tipler’s Lamp Shop on North Lamar. A replacement glass shade was ordered, the old wiring and socket were replaced, and a few other details were attended to. It’s not a perfect restoration, but it’s close enough! Charlie Boas helped to get it installed last week. It has been fitted with a photocell lightbulb and will serve our refreshed courtyard space for years to come.