PRINCE ALBERT — When it was decided to move the synod office and archives department to St. Alban’s Cathedral, a committee was formed to implement a plan to refurbish the cathedral to accommodate the extensive archives department and an office for the bishop and his staff.
The first project was to redo the washrooms located under the stairs from the cathedral hall. Eventually there will be an elevator installed.
Rooms and spaces were reconfigured to provide offices for two bishops, their staff and an office for the volunteers in the archives department. If you know the layout of the cathedral you will know where the Sunday school room was.
This room was converted into a large office for the archives staff. In August the archives packed up their stuff and moved into their new space, which is situated in what was called the crypt. Half of the office they vacated will now become the office for the new bishop with part of the room for storage.
Another washroom has been positioned in the entryway to the crypt close to the chapel and future meeting area. When you think of a crypt what comes to mind is a dungeon/tomb-like place. This basement has many huge windows along both walls, so it is bright and airy.
The best part of the renovation was discovering a second door into the chapel. When the workers were removing the wall, they found that there had been a door in the middle of the wall.
Upon searching the many nooks and crannies in the basement they discovered the original door and so installed it back to its rightful place.
This renovation is a work in progress, and hopefully when everything is completed, there will be an opportunity for everyone in the diocese to come to a grand opening.
