Sexton’s Report

Sexton’s Report

I am very happy to be working here at the First Congregational Church of Williamstown. I am pleased and sometimes amazed at the ambition and motivation exhibited by the staff and membership of this congregation.  It really keeps my job interesting and challenging, juggling events and maintaining the facility in a clean and organized fashion.

Listed below are some accomplishments that have taken place during 2008.  The renters sign posts that were damaged from plowing and vandals were replaced using some of the old steam pipes from the cellar.  The Hammer for tolling the church bell was repaired after being in a damaged state for several years.  Our heating system has been upgraded providing individual thermostats in the Parlor, Kitchen, Christian Ed Office, Room B8 Classroom, Room B10 Archives Office, Harry’s Office and the Mango Room.  We now have alternate tables for the Fellowship Hall.  The purchase of eight round tables materialized from a conversation at our weekly staff meeting and the shrewd shopping of Gail Burns.  Keith Davis headed up a group effort to add much needed insulation in the Attic.  An audio cable was installed from the sound system up to the choir loft for use when video taping the Sunday services; this was added to improve the sound quality of the videos being produced for the web.  Some much needed painting was done by John Blackmer in the Bride’s Room and the handicap entrance.  Carolyn Behr and Barbara Craig redecorated and had the sofa and chair covered in the Bride’s Room, I hung a new mirror and of course the new carpeting made the Brides Room a beautiful space. I designed and built a shelving unit for the many boxes of storage materials needed in the Archives Room.  I have to thank Cecil Harvey for his expertise in repairing the Steeple Clock.  Cecil has taught me a lot about this great old clock but I still can’t do it as well as he does.

My Report log is full of many repair jobs and projects that are still underway.  Any one can view this report log on church windows in the Trustees Building Guide Book.   The Stewardship cluster has been very supportive and has been very responsible in their pursuit of the necessary building needs.  I have and will continue to help them bring all sponsored projects to fruition and I thank Susan Clarke and the Cluster for including me in the decision-making process.

In conclusion I will always be open to suggestions and ideas on how I can improve my contribution to the upkeep and maintenance of your facility.  I am looking forward to 2009 and promise to do my best for this congregation.

Respectfully submitted

Harry A. LaGess