Repair, Restore, Remake

Those are comforting words. Repair: to fix what's wrong. Restore: to bring back what once was. And when you can't restore or repair, then remake! Do what you gotta do.

As you know if you've been following the story of the White Church Gallery, or perhaps better known to locals as the Grindstone City Methodist Church, the Church needs lots of love and tenderness. Even when tenderness means opening a can of whoop-ass on it.

Whoop whoop!

Repair: One whole corner of the church had serious water damage. Time and tide had left a hole in the roof, allowed water to cascade down into the wall, and turned the support structure into a weird kind of wood-soup. Dry, chunky wood soup. That makes no sense, but when you grab a handful of it, it's what comes to mind.

A year and a half ago, we thought it was artsy. 

What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger...

But it turned out to be rotten to the core. 

Topped!

No leaks here! 

The roof is complete! The expanse of roofing tiles is glorious, and it defies raindrops to do their worst.

Well, not their worst- I'm sure they could find a way in during a lake storm, but barring a hurricane I think we're good to go!

Michigan doesn't get hurricanes! 

In case we've forgotten, we'd better do some before and afters. They are the mainstay of the blogosphere, after all!

Before

Bell Tower Decay

Much better! 

Sweetness! Thank you Picard Builders!

I feel the Grindstone Pioneers would heave a sigh of relief that the church has a new topper. They are a constant presence around Grindstone Corners.

There is activity across the street as well. Captain Aron G. Peer's house made of Grindstone got a beautiful facelift. It gave me a good feeling to watch the work on this piece of history. It was done with love and care, and with strong hands. Just like the original must have been built. That's why the benevolent ghosts of the many souls who toiled and triumphed here are so omnipresent.

Winterized porch

Plotting and Planning

Come on in!

Just amazing. Beautiful, hand made porch, in the fashion of the past.

Everyone's smiling, even the Church!

Grindstone Corners is blessed!