NEW ST. JAMES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in London, Ontario, has been a landmark structure in the community for the past 110 years. In 2002, the congregation undertook a renewal and replacement of the slate and associated metalwork on the church's two towers, which rise some 120 feet above grade.

Both the black slate roof and the original ornamental metalwork had reached the end of their useful service life. Continued incremental repairs to the tower were impractical due to the height and configuration of the church roofs. Only a complete renewal of the exterior fabric would ensure maintenance-free, weather-tight service for many years to come.

A church member assembled the project requirements and sought bid proposals from four local contractors. One was hired in the fall of 2002, scaffolding was erected in the spring of 2003, and subcontracted demolition worked progressed.

The ornamental spires were removed and scrapped without reproducing the necessary patterns to replicate the spires, and the dormers were removed from the east tower. New slate roofs were installed then trimmed with white aluminum sheet metalwork that lacked any of the original profiles or character that the church was known for.

Additionally, the scaffolding sat idle for stretches of time. The church was ultimately forced to hire another contractor in the late fall of 2003 to winterize the project and remove the scaffolding, terminating its agreements with the original contractor.

Although disappointed with the course of events, the congregation was determined to carry on and complete the project to its former glory. A professional consultant was hired, proper documents were prepared, and, in the summer of 2004, qualified contractors were invited to prepare bids based on a specific scope of work.

DETERMINING FIT AND FINISHES

The successful bidder suggested lead-coated copper for the re-roofing, which would remain maintenance-free for the life of the roof. Work began in the spring of 2005 to capitalize on the best weather conditions for safety and workmanship.

Professional scaffolding was erected, while stamped shop drawings and professional inspections ensured safe working conditions and project results. Safety for the workers, the church and pedestrians were all considered paramount. An initial meeting with representation from all parties clarified the project communications, and the access to the project. Jim Hunter, a member of New St. James, was appointed liaison to report on the activities and progress of the work.

As a first step, the contractor, Semple-Gooder Roofing Limited, removed some of the metal to take accurate measurements that would allow for the proper fit and finish of the new lead-coated copper. Patterns were made and samples were installed to ensure that the finished profiles would fit properly.

Peter Sjouwerman, the lead sheet metal mechanic, emphasized the importance of building in allowances for differences in the four sides of the four turrets located below the main roof of the west main tower. Old photographs in the original tender documents helped define the profiles of the original spires and some of the metal flashings. These photos were scanned into computers so that proportions could be calculated, relative to other parts of the building and to another similar spire that had survived on an unrelated roof.

OFF-SITE FABRICATION

Initially, it may have seemed that there was little noticeable progress on site since the work consisted of pattern making, layout and shop fabrication of significant pieces, but once materials were fabricated the site work slowly began to take the shape of the original. The roofing team, led by foreman Manuel Pereira, removed the existing slate roof on the two towers and replaced them with new slate roofs.

Red slate was installed on the east tower, where the dormers had been removed by the previous contractor, to provide some contrast in the plain surface. Shop fabrication continued throughout the project as pieces were fitted and installed.

"The workmanship and the professionalism of the staff involved provided the necessary ingredients to ensure a successful restoration," says Michael Hensen of IRC Group of London, the church's professional consultant, who oversaw the installation.

With heritage buildings, in particular, it is essential to hire a roofing contractor with an understanding of the sensitivity of heritage restoration and the capacity to carry out the challenging work. Results at New St. James Presbyterian Church have garnered positive feedback from the congregation. "The work has been exceptional in quality and craftsmanship," Hunter says.

Scaffolding came down before Thanksgiving celebrations, leaving the church with its original beauty and re-establishing it as one of the historically significant landmarks of London.

Tom Shreeve, B. Tech (Bldg. Sc.) is Manager of the Re-Roofing Division at Semple-Gooder Roofing Limited, and was project manager for the New St. James Presbyterian Church project. He can be reached at 416-743-5370, or by e-mail at tshreeve@semplegooder.com.