After extensive study and prayer, our planning committee has developed a prioritized and staged plan for addressing the needs of First Presbyterian Church.  Tackling this project will help us in building God’s future for our congregation and for generations of Christ’s followers still to come. 

Phelps Organ Restoration

We have already contracted for the refurbishment of the entire organ this summer.  While we will have to live without it briefly, we can have peace of mind knowing that our future worship will be inspired by this wonderful instrument for generations to come.

The estimated cost to fully restore the organ is $150,000.

Improved Parking Lots

The parking lots will be restored by replacing broken sections and then resurfacing all the lots. The lots have been patched so many times that patching and sealing them is no longer an option.  We have explored a permeable surface, and unfortunately it is cost prohibitive. While we are repairing the lots, we will also increase the lighting in the parking lots by installing new light posts for the back side of the upper lot. Water will also be run to our new labyrinth. These efforts will improve security at night and also ease upkeep in that part of our property.

The estimated cost of this project is $75,000.

Replacing the Boiler and Air Handler

Replacing the boiler with a new system will provide our congregation with safety from the elements for decades to come. Not only should we be able to go years without large maintenance bills, but the newer systems are considerably more energy efficient, decreasing utility bills and having a smaller environmental impact.

This two part system can be installed in stages, which can reduce the upfront cost to us as we engage in this process.  The boiler itself would be installed first to ensure we have heat when we need it most.  This tactic eliminates risk of damage to our beautiful organ and the rest of the building.  The new air handling system can be installed at a later date while we work on other priorities.  This new equipment and thermostats will give us better control over the temperature and air flow in all areas of our facilities.

The total cost of both components and installation for the boiler and air handling systems is estimated to be $400,000. 

Improving Accessibility and Technology So All Feel Welcome

We will also improve accessibility for our members by adding an elevator that will provide easy access to all floors of our facility. No longer will members and visitors have to travel around the building to attend an event happening on another level of our building. Also, all music participants will be able to access the choir loft and join our exceptional music ministry, if they so desire. This elevator will also make it far easier to move furnishings, instruments and equipment to all levels, including the choir loft.

The estimated cost of adding an elevator is $250,000.

The addition of new technology in Ryerson Fellowship Hall will enhance the ways we are able to utilize it, both for education and worship. Both the sounds and sights from our sanctuary will be broadcast to Ryerson, allowing overflow for families with small children so they might better participate in the service on Sundays (when being in the sanctuary is not their best option). With better internet capabilities, we can also connect more easily with the outside world and stream events, lectures, and other presentations into Ryerson Hall for our education, fellowship, and alternative worship programs. Improved video equipment will project better during daylight hours. 

Our Equipping Educational Ministry is now creating new and exciting plans to do extensive Sunday morning intergenerational ministry in Ryerson Hall that will bless our entire congregation. The plans being made by our new staff persons assume updated audio-visual technology.

We anticipate the costs of all upgrades to Ryerson Fellowship Hall to be less than $40,000.

The inclusion of additional technology in the sanctuary, both to make worship accessible to more of our members, as well as saving on the expense and distraction of too much paper, is being investigated.  Brief exploration has shown there are good options available that will enhance worship without a large screen in the front of the sanctuary that would block the cross or create other aesthetic issues. 

Though the cost will be tied to what technology we ultimately select, we are estimating this portion of the project to be less than $40,000. 

We also plan to replace some rows of pews with chairs. We have recently added some chairs as an experiment and they have been well received by our congregation. Expanding the number of chairs will make it easier for many more of us, including those with special needs, to find comfortable and stable seating. This modification also gives us a little more flexibility in the layout of our worship space.

Depending on the number of chairs purchased and pews replaced, the cost for this project is estimated to be up to $20,000.

Updating Our Kitchen

Updating both the layout and functionality of our kitchen will enhance many of our events that require refreshments or meals.

•    An improved layout will allow more people to prepare and serve meals without tripping over each other.

•    Replacing the outdated commercial dishwasher with commercial under-the-counter units, which are easier to operate and maintain, will make the clean-up process easier and thus allow for rapid clean-up at large gatherings.

•    Improved storage will ensure not only enough space, but the right space for all that we need.

•    Improving the design of the countertops will allow some members to sit as they work.

•    Improving the flooring will increase the traction and safety of the kitchen.

Remodeling and updating our kitchen is estimated to cost $60,000.

Giving Back Through Mission

We propose that the best way we can share God’s generous bounty anticipated in this campaign is by sharing 10% of what is raised with those who cannot take their blessings for granted. Our committee recommended and Session approved committing 1/2 of our tithe to be shared with Pasrur Christian Girls School for the purpose of renovating a house newly returned to his mission by the government. The other half of the tithe will be used to support the building of a new Habitat house in our area.