Those taking part in the Sharpsville Area Historical Society's "Spirit of Christmas" church tour on Dec. 7 will get a sneak peek at the new and improved Chloe Pierce Community Chapel.

Historical society members began renovating the chapel, formerly the Seventh-day Adventist Church, about two months ago. Improvements include freshly-painted walls, a basement community room, a kitchen and a permanent office for the historical society, said society Vice President Donna Murray.

"We had a small crew of about 10 people doing all this work," Mrs. Murray said.

The basement room will be available for rental for special occasions, such as showers and open houses, after the first of the year, Mrs. Murray said. Those who don't want to brave the very steep, narrow steps leading to the basement can get in through a newly-constructed door at the side of the church, where a handicap-accessible ramp is available.

Mrs. Murray said the improvements are basically cosmetic. Major renovations, such as a new roof and new windows, will have to wait for grant money to come through.

"This enables us to be able to rent it," she said.

The Chloe Pierce Community Chapel will be the final stop on the church tour. The NoWePa Ensemble will perform a medieval Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at the chapel. Refreshments will be available.

The tour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12, will be available between 2 and 3 p.m. the day of the tour. Parking is available in Sharpsville Plaza.

The historical society is also selling "Cat's Meow" miniatures of the Jonas Pierce House, the Pierce Mansion and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To order, call (724) 962-4284.