Globe Light Fixtures Restored (2011)

 A lighting fixture craftsman, Peter Jenko, from Lumenelle, was retained to undertake the restoration work of the "Sun" and "Moon" globe fixtures hanging above the organ loft. The fixtures were re-wired and the clasps and hanging supports were repaired. In addition, Mr. Jenko removed the accumulation of years of dirt and grime from each fixture and fitted the fixtures with new cloth lining. The restored globes were re-hung by an electrician and supplied with long-life LED light bulbs. Cleaning the globes revealed intricate bird and flower details, and striking butterfly clasps on the large sun globe. Based upon their patterns and details, Mr. Jenko theorized that the globes may be of Japanese origin. This project was a joint effort between Second Presbyterian Church and Friends.

Front Door Refinished (2010)

Shamrock Decorating, Inc. performed hand cleaning with TSP and power tool sanding on the front entry door. A coat of Sikkens Cetol stain system was applied to the wood, followed by a coat of Sikkens Cetol varnish.

Historic Structures Report (2010)

Anne Sullivan, AIA, of Sullivan|Preservation prepared a 350-page preservation plan for the church in 2010. The preservation plan documented the original construction, subsequent alterations, and current conditions of the church and included prioritized recommendations for future work. The report is a planning tool used by Friends to establish a framework for consideration of physical alterations to the building, with the understanding of how the work will affect the historic fabric and character of the church.

Baptismal font test cleaning (2009)

The Chicago Conservation Center performed test cleaning on a rear section of the limestone baptismal font, located at the front of the sanctuary. The font is extremely fragile so it was decided to perform all conservation work at Second Presbyterian rather than de-installing the font and removing it to the CCC’s studio.

Bell clapper restored (2009)

 In the summer of 2009, John LaMonica of Butler Street Foundry and Iron Company repaired the clapper mechanism which sounds Second Presbyterian’s stationary bell.  While it would have been considerably easier to replace the clapper, LaMonica, a preservationist, removed it, repaired the clapper at his foundry, and reinstalled the piece in order to have the bell sound once again. 

Murals cleaned and restored (2008-2009)

2008

The Chicago Conservation Center (CCC: Dr. Margaret Nowosielska, Chief Mural Conservator, and Dorota Bobek, Associate Mural Conservator) performed test-cleaning on the third archway from the east on the north side of the sanctuary. Approximately 60% of the west half of the arch was cleaned, while the east half was partially treated to illustrate the three phases of the conservation process:

• Initial Phase used a dry eraser to remove surface grime;

• Secondary Phase used a mild detergent to remove soot and grime;

• Final Phase removed embedded grime and discolored varnish using a combination of solvents.

Some inpainting was done in areas of particular deterioration and the surface was finished with a protective layer of varnish, which is reversible and can be removed in the future, if need be, without harming the original paint layer. 

2009

CCC performed conservation work and cleaning on the third archway mural from the east and the first archway scripture from the east, both on the south side of the sanctuary. The same techniques and solutions were used on these murals as were used on the north side mural. Additionally, as the lettering was illegible after cleaning, this portion of the mural was reinforced by first applying an isolating layer of varnish to act as a protective barrier over the letters, and then overpainting the letters with reversible tempera paint in a light blue-gray tone.