Mem Church

The Department of Buildings and Grounds has constructed a temporary wooden passageway under the west portico entrance to Memorial Church because plaster falling from the portico ceiling presented a danger to people using the entrance. B&G officials said yesterday.

The ceiling is probably disintegrating because of a flaw in the original 50-year-old plaster, said Frank A. Marciano, B&G superintendent for the Yard area.

Replastering of the ceiling cannot begin until temperatures are in the 60s. Marciano said. The repairs will probably take about two weeks to complete and cost between $5000 and $10,000. he added.

B&G officials have photographed the painted design on the ceiling and will duplicate it after re-plastering, Marciano said.