St.
Chad's Episcopal Church
The Little Church With a Big Heart
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The Little Church With a Big Heart |
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ST CHAD’S BUILDING PROGRAM – PHASE 3
INITIAL PRESENTATION TO DIOCESE’S STANDING COMMITTEE TRUSTEES
11 December 2007
Bob Gough, Chair Rich Simpson, Vice Chair Father Brian Winter, Rector Bernice Dicks, Senior Warden
Chuck Wernle, Junior
Warden OUTLINE
I. Brief History of St Chad’s II. Recent Developments III. BC3 (3rd Building Committee) IV. Related Activities
I. BRIEF HISTORY OF ST CHAD’S
- Chartered as a Mission in 1974 by Bishop Richard Trelease
- Phase 1 building completed in 1983 after being housed in a succession of storefronts n given 5 acres in Far Northeast Heights of Albuquerque by DRG n worship center (envisioned by Master Plan to be our eventual parish hall) n 2 small offices, 2 small classrooms, modest kitchen n landscaping done by parishioners n cost $242K, with $130K lent, and $15K granted, by DRG Advancement Fund
- Parish status achieved in 1987
- Phase 2 building completed in 1990 n 4 more classrooms n “Commons” to serve as interim fellowship hall n expanded kitchen n cost $225K, funded equally by pledges, internal bond sales, and borrowing
- stabilized at about 110 parishioners for about 10 years, but became “grayer” II. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- Fr Brian Winter called to be rector in October 05, after retirement of Fr Steve Caldwell
- Informal “hallway conversations” began in May 06 about indications of growth (especially resurgence in number of children)
- Vestry accepted recommendation to form Building Feasibility Committee in Aug 06 n is growth sustainable? § growth is both robust and sustainable – if we accommodate that growth with expanded facilities, else 75% rule will cap growth as facilities fill § Sunday attendance in 2007 is about 35% larger than in 2005 n financial situation § generous pledging history, and steadily increasing outreach § 2008 pledged income is more than 45% larger than in 2005 § debt-free & attractive to lenders n lay ministries, leadership and commitment continue to be strong
- Vestry accepted BFC recommendation to form BC3 in Apr 07 to plan and execute facility expansion program (and undertook early expansion of parking lot)
III. BUILDING COMMITTEE 3
- 12 members with experienced leadership and several younger newcomers
- Laid out a 3-year program n Year 1 (2007-08) progress to date § elicited/confirmed ministries to be emphasized in future, from parishioners, to govern Building Program § translated ministries into facility needs, also reviewed by parishioners · sanctuary seating 275 + 25-30 choir · preserve modified “in-the-round” or short-aisle character · large, welcoming foyer · small chapel · 10 classrooms (4-6 new) · 4 offices (2-3 new), plus reception area and workroom · adequate storage and other infrastructure · area to inter remains of deceased · current worship center could become good fellowship hall · current kitchen sufficient to accommodate larger congregation · distinctive as a church and visible from Tramway and Tennyson · consistent with current worship, interior, and architectural styles III. BUILDING COMMITTEE 3 (cont)
n Year 1 progress to date (cont) § studied feasibility of expanding current worship center - not recommended § surveyed a number of other churches for design ideas and experiences § began quarterly fund-/fun-raisers § interviewed and selected architect (Bill Fanning)
n Year 1 (yet to come) § work with architect to produce preliminary design, including how to minimize new construction needed by renovating current facilities § elicit review of preliminary design by congregation § kick-off Building Fund Pledge Drive (estimated Feb 08) § select General Contractor (expect to use negotiated contract with a guaranteed maximum price) § investigate connecting to city utilities § produce meaningful project cost estimate § design integrated financial plan · pledges · internal bonds issuance · outside borrowing § discuss plans with neighbors III. BUILDING COMMITTEE 3 (cont)
n Year 2 (2008-09) § refine concept & make myriad detailed design decisions § raise funds · pledges · issue bonds · borrow as needed o DRG? o National Church? o commercial as needed § site preparation
n Year 3 (2009-10) § construction of new sanctuary § renovate current facilities (mainly classrooms and offices) § move in by Easter 2010 § start re-paying loans
IV. RELATED ACTIVITIES
In parallel with BC3, Vestry is also studying other recommendations of BFC
- preserve St Chad’s focus on ministries and its warm reception of visitors
- preserve apolitical, accepting attitude of St Chad’s
- re-consider service schedule (3rd service?)
- start planning for eventual clergy and staff augmentation
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