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This
sanctuary is a very special place for Nancy and me. Our children
were baptized and later confirmed here. Our daughter and son-in-law
were married here. Grandchildren have been baptized and now
are being confirmed here. Memorial services for Nancy's parents
were held here. Over the years we have attended so many weddings
and funerals here for the families of dear friends. And most
importantly, it has been the focal point for Nancy and me
for our worship experiences for more than 40 years.
I know
this sanctuary has similar significance to many of you. It
is a gift from the congregation of this church 50 years ago,
and we have benefited greatly from their foresight and sacrifice.
Now we have the opportunity to do the same for ourselves and
for future generations.
The sanctuary
refurbishing project is a classic example of taking advantage
of a unique opportunity. That opportunity was the generous
gift of a new, world-class organ. An organ committee was formed
more than 4 years ago to handle the myriad of details necessary
to specify, contract, and install the new organ. It quickly
became apparent it was far more complicated than just plugging
in a new instrument. Organ manufacturers were unanimous in
saying it was folly to replace the organ without improving
the dead acoustics in the sanctuary, something that those
of us in the choir had known for years.
After
much research and consulting, it was concluded that a newly
developed electronic acoustical architecture system would
provide the most predictable results and would result in much
less tear-up of the sanctuary. In addition, some changes would
be needed to the chancel and to the sanctuary floor and ceiling.
All of this raised the possibility of addressing a number
of other problems in the sanctuary that we as a congregation
had been living with for years.
How many
times have you had difficulty seeing performers or wedding
parties in the chancel area? How often have you had difficulty
reading your Bible or hymnal during the worship service due
to poor lighting? How often have you had difficulty hearing
what was being spoken? We have some complete acoustical dead
spots in the sanctuary. How often have you arrived a little
late and tried to see and hear the service from folding chairs
in the narthex?
Look at
the chandeliers above you. I have admired them so much over
the years. The wiring and sockets in them are 50 years old.
They will be rewired and retained for accent lighting to supplement
a new, modern, hidden lighting system with controls to create
optimum lighting for each occasion.
Look at
the floor under your feet. Those tiles are 50 years old and
will be replaced when the pews are removed for scaffolding
access. While they are out, the pews will receive a long overdue
refinishing.
The combination
of the electronic acoustical architecture and a new public
address system will make every seat equivalent for excellent
sound, including the narthex.
Everyone
will be able to better see what is happening in the chancel
due to it being slightly raised and much more flexible for
arrangement for special occasions while retaining its traditional
appearance.
And yes,
the air conditioning system will also be improved.
These
are but some of the changes in the plan that will finally
update this special place after 50 years and prepare it for
many more years of service. In the last several years we have
made significant improvements to the rest of our building.
We have replaced the windows throughout the building. We have
modernized bathrooms and refurbished classrooms and hallways.
And, of course, we built the CLC. The one place that has not
been significantly improved is this room, our sanctuary, the
heart of our building. Now we have a unique opportunity to
bring it up to the standard of the rest of our building.
We have
received a million dollar gift to cover the cost of the new
organ. A significant part of the refurbishing cost has been
covered by funds available to the trustees. However, the financial
support of the congregation is needed to cover the remaining
one and a half million dollars. More detail of that information
is covered in your Steeple Notes. For those of you
who were able to financially support the CLC, I urge you to
give prayerful consideration to continuing that sacrifice
for another year. For those of you who missed the opportunity
to support the CLC, now is your chance to make a lasting contribution
to the life of this church.
The new
organ is going to be awesome, and we are eagerly looking forward
to hearing the music that Doris will be able to make with
it. However, I truly believe that you will find the other
improvements being made to the chancel, sanctuary, and narthex
will be noticed and appreciated as much as the organ.
The organ
committee has been hard at work for more than 4 years. Experts
have been consulted, options have been evaluated, and plans
have been drawn. Approvals have been given by the Administrative
Council, the Trustees, and by you in the Charge Conferences.
The pre-work has all been done. Now it is our turn to step
to the plate. We have work to do. Together we can keep this
special place truly special.
Thank
you.
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