Sunday:
Why is the restoration of our historic Sanctuary and facilities necessary at this time?
The Sanctuary, now over a century old, is showing significant signs of wear. It is what some might call “a tired building in need of some love.” We have just celebrated the 100th anniversary and, as part of that celebration, we are undertaking restoration work that will ensure it will be here for another 100 years. Corrections and updates to remedy safety concerns cause reason to conduct the restoration project now. Also, by improving lighting and air conditioning systems, the building becomes more energy efficient. The work being done will in no way affect our status on the National Historic Registry.
What is the duration of the project?
The work will begin in late March or early April and is scheduled for completion by the beginning of November 2015.
What will be done first?
The project is broken into 3 separate phases, each on its own timeline.
A: Phase 1 will be the restoration of the outside, namely brick, mortar and down spouts. Included in this phase will be the remodel of the ramp on the Almond Street side entrance in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
B: Phase 2 will be the restoration of the interior (see details below).
C: Phase 3 will be work done in Walker Hall, namely restrooms and fire suppression.
What are the benefits of the restoration? More specifically, what will this restoration entail?
Key points of this restoration will be: updated lighting with energy-efficient fixtures, replacement of the original “knob and tube” wiring installed in 1913, seismic work for safety, modifications and upgrades to the heating/air conditioning system for improved distribution of air and greater efficiency, restoring plaster to its original state, upgrading video and sound systems, restoring and upgrading numerous worn parts of the organ, repainting and re-staining of walls and wood finishes similar to current colors, installation of new carpeting and tile, refinishing of pews to blend with the darker tones of other woodwork, expansion of the platform and steps in front of the altar to improve sightlines to the front of the Sanctuary, additional restrooms in Walker Hall that can be accessed via the Courtyard, and fire sprinklers installed in Walker Hall.
Who is responsible for the project?
The congregation authorized this project at the Congregational Assembly on November 11, 2014, and directed the Trustees to implement the resolution approved at that meeting. The Trustees directed the Building Administration Committee to appoint the necessary project committees to make the proposals and/or recommendations to assist with planning. The restoration will be overseen by the Project Management Committee.
How will this affect the school?
The area around the Sanctuary will have limited access, which will impact drop off and pick up. A revised drop off/pick up plan will be implemented in fall 2015 until the project has been completed. School chapel will take place in the Auditorium at two separate times: (Kindergarten-Gr. 4,) (Gr. 5-8.) Because of the restroom remodel in the current Walker Hall basement restrooms, students changing for PE classes and sports will be relocated for the duration of Phase 3.
Where will we be able to park?
The only parking that will be directly impacted by this project is the curbside parking on the north side of Almond Street between Shaffer and Center Streets. All other spaces for parking will still be available.
Will the project be completed on schedule?
Current discussion with contractors indicates beginning this project in mid-March or April. This will allow adequate time to complete the project by the beginning of November 2015.
Where will pre and post-service fellowship (i.e. donuts and coffee) be located during construction?
The donut and coffee carts will be located around the entrances and exits of Walker Hall.
How much will the project cost and how will we pay for it?
The congregation has established the expenses not to exceed 5.5 million dollars. Some designated gifts have been received. Funding will come as a result of the ‘Preserve the Blessing’ capital campaign that is currently taking place. Additionally, a construction loan will be taken out during the project. Upon completion of the project, any difference between campaign gifts received by that time and the remaining balance on the construction loan will be converted to a long term loan, not to exceed $2 million, and we will continue to raise funds for our Sanctuary and facilities.
When and where will the worship services be held during the restoration?
Beginning April 19, 2015, all worship services will take place in the Auditorium of Walker Hall. The schedule of services is as follows:
SATURDAY
5:00 pm - contemporary
6:30 pm - traditional
SUNDAY
7:45 am - traditional
9:00 am - traditional
10:15 am - contemporary
11:30 am - traditional
5:00 pm - contemporary
*Sunday School will be offered at 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. in the same locations.
Comments
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Lyle Drinkgern March 2, 2015 2:33pm
Meeting on Sunday was great. Thank you. I made a comment to Randy concerning the support for the Christmas Tree. As one of the group that uses the scaffolding and climbs on the frame to put it up I have a concern about its location with the pending design. Note that the funeral door entrance is approx. the same height as the floor extension, the current design allows the entrance but then adds another ramp forward which will basically put the end of the ramp where the tree is currently mounted. I hope you have taken into account the large size the base of that tree has in addition to the new height we will have with the remodel. What if the entry at the funeral door was kept at the same height as the front of the Church and the ramp goes left to enter the Church once thru the funeral door. This could allow better room for using the Tree if that is what you still want to do in the future. Just a thought. Other "climbers are Denny Cole and Roger Busch" if you want another opinion.
Bill Miller March 2, 2015 6:24pm
It sounds like the actual dimensions for the alter area extension and the steps leading up to it have not yet been finalized. Please keep in mind there are very specific space requirements for the handbell and chime tables in the alter area when they are ringing as part of the service music. Since I have had considerable experience in configuring the handbell tables in multiple venues, if possible, I would like to be able to view the alter configuration before it is finalized to be sure the handbell tables can be accommodated in the space provided. I know you must be getting multiple conflicting requests and I thank you for your hard work in making sure all parties have proper input. Is there a specific person I can contact to get updated on the progress? Yours in Christ, Bill Miller
Jayne Dahlgren March 9, 2015 1:57pm
Have "clicked" through website and can't find telephone number for Greg (fundraising consultant) or a name or number for "Carolyn" whom Greg told me to contact. How do I reach these people? Thank you.
St.John's Orange March 9, 2015 4:35pm
For those who have questions about a specific way to contribute to 'Preserve the Blessing,' please contact Caroline in the church office: 714-288-4437
Cathy Sprague May 4, 2015 2:15pm
Good Afternoon,
Do you have a Campaign Prospectus that have suggested giving levels or naming opportunities? If so, could you email it to cjcsprague@hotmail.com
Thank you.
St.John's Orange May 6, 2015 8:21am
Donors will be recognized under the appropriate giving levels of…in our Annual report being published in July. For those donors wishing to remain anonymous, please contact the advancement office at advancement@stjohnsorange.org -or- 714-288-4465