First United Methodist Church

Henderson, Kentucky (1914)

The Building: 
First United Methodist Church was constructed in 1914 as a rebuild of a church that was destroyed by a tornado.

The Issue of Concern: 
In the summer of 2014, a seven-foot diameter area of plaster-on-wood-lath ceiling collapsed, almost injuring a group of visiting students. The collapse triggered a capital fundraising campaign for a nearly $2 million renovation.

Project Synopsis: 
As part of the renovation project, HPCS (USA) was contracted to consolidate approximately 12,000 square feet of plaster ceiling. About 10,000 square feet of ceiling was treated directly from the attic side while 2,000 square feet required blind treatment using the HPCS Remote Consolidant Applicator. The consolidation work is guaranteed for 25 years.

First United Methodist Church interior
First United Methodist Church interior.
HPCS (USA) technician prepares ceiling for consolidation treatment
HPCS (USA) technician prepares ceiling for consolidation treatment.
Remote Consolidant Applicator treats plaster ceiling from blind location
Remote Consolidant Applicator treats plaster ceiling from blind location.
Historic Plaster Conservation Services