Fabric Committee Initiates Cathedral Beautification Plan

Susan Larsen was looking for a way to impact the community of Grace Cathedral in a positive way. She was serving on the Board of Trustees, and was involved with the Fabric Committee, the group charged with oversight the grounds and building of the Cathedral. The committee drafted a short list of priorities. At the top of the list was the floor.

Referring to the vast expanse of limestone flooring, "The Cathedral has had a long history of disappointing results of cleanings in the past," says Susan. "But we found someone who was able to do it right. The floors were cleaned throughout the entire Cathedral, and up into the Chapel of Grace."

Susan has renovated a number of homes in her lifetime, and has a passion for restoration. "I really wanted to make the love people have for Grace Cathedral obvious in its well-maintained interior."

To that end, the pews are being refinished in a process that involves sanding off their clear varnish, staining them to match the patina of the darker wooden chairs elsewhere in the Cathedral.

"I hope people like it," Susan says. "With the pews a few shades darker, it sets off the stained glass windows. We’ve had good feedback so far. We are lucky to have some talented craftsmen restoring our pews. Amilcar Ferrari is a professional wood finisher with 25 years experience. He has put all his heart into our project.  Stop by and take a look, or call him at 415-289-0688."

What’s next? New pew cushions.

"The fabric will be blue," she says. "Like the ones in the cathedral now, but a more vibrant blue, with some black in it. It’s a color that we thing is going to resonate well with the stained glass windows."

And then? The hardwood floors under the pews.

Susan described the ordering of the restoration work. "We wanted to start with what people see the most: the limestone floors; the pews; the covers; the hardwood and marble floors. We wanted the beauty of the gardens, which are tended by our wonderful volunteers, to be matched by the beauty inside the Cathedral. And we welcome ideas from anyone who sees anything that needs some loving care, that’s what we’re working on."