CANFIELD — Canfield Presbyterian Church is about to undergo a transformation to its entire building, but that wasn’t the original plan.

Pat Purser, co-chair of the Sanctuary Renovation Committee, said they were initially charged with upgrading the sanctuary. This included a sprinkler system and reinforcement to the walls, which have noticeable cracks.

“We don’t know what kind of wiring is behind the walls and what else might be there,” she said. However, the committee later learned that the area under the sanctuary, known as Westminster Hall, has asbestos in the ceiling. Purser explained that the asbestos is safe while it is contained, but since it would be exposed during the sanctuary renovation, it would become a hazard.

“Once we go into the ceiling, it has to come out,” she said.

Another downstairs area is used for a preschool program to help 3- and 4-year-olds learn socialization skills. Purser said the area needed updating, and during a recent state inspection it was noted that paint was peeling. The committee determined the most responsible and cost-effective strategy was to deal with everything all at once.

The original structure, which includes the sanctuary and Westminster Hall, was built in 1904. The preschool area was added in the 1950’s and there have been no major changes, so they felt it was time to offer a more welcoming space for the children. According to the notes in the committee proposal, “Having an upgraded, clean, safe facility is a reflection of the values and standards of this church.”

Phase I started at the beginning of May, as Murphy Contracting of Youngstown began demolishing walls that needed to come down due to age and water damage. Next will be removal of asbestos, which will take four to five weeks.

Then the HVAC will be updated. The boiler is nearing the end of its life, which makes this the right time to replace the system with either forced air or heat pumps.

After all this will come new carpeting, paint, doors, cabinets and furniture.

Phase I is estimated to cost a little more than $1 million. It is scheduled to be completed by late summer, in time for preschool to resume at the beginning of the school year.

The congregation soon will meet for a progress report on Phase I, and to give input about what they want the sanctuary to look like before they eventually vote to authorize Phase II. Once this project is underway, it is expected to take more than a year to complete.

Purser said although it will be expensive and inconvenient, the church must be kept safe and properly preserved.

“Our forefathers have given us so much and we have the responsibility to maintain what we have been given. We are preparing for those who come after us bearing in mind that God gave it to all of us,” Purser said.

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