The new oak floor, replacing the former surface that was covered with worn red carpet is now fully installed in the Chancel and Sanctuary at St. Helen's, West Point Grey. This is the first phase of the building renewal part of the west side church’s centennial project to reach completion. As you can see from the photo, it looks gorgeous. What you can't see is that it sounds amazing! It makes a big difference the the acoustics of the room. Although there has not been any choral music sung in the space yet, early reports are that there is a huge difference to the good in how the church’s Steinway sounds.
As you can see from the 'work in progress' photo below, the chancel rail has been made fully removable to further improve acoustics and sight lines for worship and concerts. Also the Chancel furniture (pews etc.) has been made moveable to create a flexible worship space for Wednesday evening Vespers, Vancouver Voices concerts, and similar events. The Reverend Scott Gould, Rector of St. Helen’s and the St. Helen’s leadership and parishioners are anxious to get the word out that there is now a great venue for music and performance in West Point Grey. They are also very excited about the new liturgical and worship opportunities that the new space will benefit.