The following account dealing with renovations and improvements in the 1870's was compiled by Ruth and Eber Pollard of the Guelph Historical Society.

Norfolk Street Methodist Church

With characteristic energy the trustees of this church have inaugurated the most extensive and palpable improvments, and when they are finished the old church which has seen so much good service will present both inside and out a modern appearance. The architect who designed these improvements was Mr. John Hall. Jr. and the highest credit is deservedly due him.

The alterations embrace a wide area, extending from the basement to the topmost point on the tower. The tower has been built 24 feet higher, of cut stone laid in cement, and the windows in it are finished with Gothic tracings. On the corners are beautiful finials, which stand three feet further above the tower, and the cornice is also in accordance with correct taste. The whole is covered with galvanized iron, and the battlement adds much to the appearance of the church.

The old windows and frames in the main building were removed, and handsome new lead sashes put in, and these have been filled in with beautiful coloured glass. The external portion of the arch of the windows is completed in a neat label mould, which has a very neat cut boss-beneath.

On the side facing Cork Street a new entrance has been made, and an opening made through the fence has been provided with a handsome iron gate. The steps which lead to the entrance have been enclosed in a subtantial and pretty porch. A rear addition has also been erected, 18 X 46, and built of stone in accordance with the general style of the architecture of the church. The basement contains an infant classroom, and a storeroom; the next flat having a large classroom and vestry, and the next one is devoted to an organ loft and cloakroom. The rear end of the old church had to be removed, in order to accomplish this improvement, and when it is finished the choir and organ will be situated behind the pulpit.

This organ loft deserves more than a passing notice, as it will form and important feature in the new alterations. It is 21 X 18 feet, and of a proportionate height. The sides are relieved by columns, and the ceiling is an eliptical groined arch. The plastering is pannelled off, and the frescoing is being proceeded with in beautifully mild tints.

In the body of the church the old wooden posts have been removed, and modern iron pillars substituted. The ceiling of the main building and the walls are also being frescoed, the woodwork revarnished, and the seats upholstered.

In the basement a new floor has been laid, and three powerful heating furnaces have been put in. The whole building has been reventilated, and the trustees contemplate erecting new eaves to the body of the church. The carpeting, with the exception of the rep which was obtained from Britain, was purchased from the Elora Carpet Factory, and is a very pretty pattern.

Altogether the improvements are such as will give better ventilation, better heat, better acoustic properties, and make the church more comfortable than it was before, and the whole work reflects the highest credit on all concerned.

The contractors were:

Pearson & Son - masonry
Daniels & Buchan - carpentering
George Howard - tinsmithing and galvanized iron work
William Day - plastering
J. Garland and Jacomb & Taylor shared the painting
F. Sturdy - frescoing
Jno. Crowe - iron columns
Laidlaw of Hamilton - furnaces
Lewis of London - coloured glass

The total expense will be in the neighbourhood of $11,000.