PEW RESTORATION PROJECT
![pew pew](https://ahps-pgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pew.jpg)
Calvary United Methodist Church is 131 years old. It is splendid in all of its detail. The 35-foot high Tiffany Stained glass windows are its most noted feature. But not to be ever overlooked are the spectacular wood carvings all over the building—as you can see.
AHPS has undertaken the task of stabilizing the pews, repairing where needed, and finding and replacing some of the missing ornamentations.
That is Phase One of the project.
Phase Two involves the pew cushions. The Joseph Horne family donated them and are original - 131 years old!!! Our mission is to replace the cushions as close to the original fabric and design as possible.
Pew stabilization. This has been completed and all pews are safe to sit upon.
Replacing the 130-year old pew cushions - Through an almost unbelievable encounter on a Cancun beach, we found an "angel" to help find the fabric needed here for our 130 year old pews! Maria owned a wholesale fabric business in NYC for over four decades, and she's connected us to an Italian Manufacturing Co in Tuscany, Italy where the beautiful 100% cotton velveteen (that's the closest match possible to Tiffany's original selection) is still being made! This feels like enough of a "miracle" but there's more! The added blessing is that the price is about 1/8th of what we thought it was going to cost! The canvas for the underside of the cushions is already here, and Rev. Beth is graciously allowing all of the fabric to be stored in the extra rooms at the Parsonage as all the yardage must be dyed at one time to insure consistency. A professional upholsterer has been selected, and we have sufficient funds for the fabric, the shipping and the duty thanks to your support of our Tiffany Angel Card sales and generous contributions. A great beginning!
Refinishing the pews where needed and replacing the decorative pieces that are missing. This is still on our radar in that we are talking to furniture restorers in the area
AHPS has raised more than $10,000 toward this project. Join us in this effort with your attendance at our events, Angel Card purchases, and donations.