Dear Ones,
I hope you are safe and healthy. Like you, I look forward to this new year with hope.
I want to let you know that the Vestry and I approved plans to repair the roof and the Nave (the central part) of the church. I want to explain why the repairs are needed and why we decided to move forward now.
Roof Replacement and Repairs
The roof problems have been an issue for some years. Despite earlier attempts at repair, leaks are causing visible (and likely invisible) water damage in the Great Hall, the kitchen, the Nave, and elsewhere. Delaying the repairs will lead to more water damage and a larger scope of work. Thus, we’ve approved a plan to act now to replace the flat roof over the office and education wings, and to repair the roof over the church.
Nave Repairs
Repairs in the Nave are less urgent, but cannot be put off for long. It is not a question of “if” the work should be done, but “when.” Because the Nave must be closed while repairs are done – and it is already closed due to the pandemic – it makes sense to take advantage of the moment and get the work done now. The work requires floor-to-ceiling scaffolding throughout the Nave for six to eight months. Postponing construction to a later date would force us out of the Nave
into alternative worship space soon after the end of the pandemic shutdown. This was deemed very undesirable.
The decision to do this work now was not taken lightly. The Vestry and I considered the wisdom of repairing the building at a time when many are experiencing economic hardship. We view this repair as one step in our overall vision to Live God’s Love in which the vestry is embarking on a comprehensive property planning process to consider a range of options to direct our resources
to support our mission and ministry. Foremost in our consideration are the ways we can “embrace our world”, partner with others to end family homelessness, and strive to create a beloved community. Coupled with the Vestry’s responsibility to be good stewards of the property for generations to come and the ongoing COVID-imposed shutdown, we determined that it is best to act now.
The Nave work involves replacing the lights, repairing the frames of the windows as needed, upgrading the audio-visual system, upgrading the HVAC, repairing and replastering the ceilings and walls as needed, refinishing the floors, repainting through-out, and other repairs as required. While we anticipate that this will dramatically enhance the beauty of the church, we are not making significant changes to the architecture, furniture, or overall presentation and flow of the liturgical space.
Cost
Details of the scope and bids are not finalized but, based on estimates received, the cost is expected to be approximately $1,200,000. We are reaching out to a select number of parishioners for their help in achieving our important goal, and, in the meantime, we will draw on our existing funds so as not to delay commencement of the work.
The Vestry has appointed a task force – Don Crane (Master Planning Committee member), John Nolan (Property Committee Chair), and Betsy Oster (Vestry member) – to support our Operations Manager, Tony Kittrell, and his staff in overseeing this project. We are also fortunate to be able to draw on the strength and experience of the Property Committee.
The Vestry and I will keep you apprised as this project proceeds. In closing, I ask for your continued prayers for the mission and ministry of St. Columba’s. With thanks for your continuing engagement and generous support, St. Columba’s is thriving. I can’t wait for the day when we are all together in worship and celebration.
Peace!
