Smith Hall Remodel To Start Soon (I hope)!
This month we were finally issued the building permit to begin the process of remodeling Smith Hall. It has taken well over a year to get to this point and we certainly couldn’t have done it without the persistence and dedication of our former Junior Warden Ralph Wilkins.
The process started almost two years ago with discussions about exactly how to go about the project. There were two concept plans drawn up, one left the kitchen the same size, and filled it up with lots of wonderful appliances, the second plan had the kitchen wall moved back and a smaller, but still functional kitchen. The second plan was adopted with the belief that increased seating space would serve us better than increased cooking space.
An architect was retained and a builder sought out who had experience with church projects and an unblemished reputation for quality and reliability. A set of plans was submitted to the city and negotiations begun about legal requirements and how best to execute the project. While this process was going on we also discovered that not only was our own electrical service inadequate for a plant our size, but also the service supplied by the city was inadequate. Negotiations around these questions took several months. It also became apparent that we would have to spend something on the order of $60,000 more than planned to upgrade our electrical service.
At the present time we have about $50,000 in cash in the Capital Campaign funds, and another $150,000 in pledges due this year. We also have $100,000 available to borrow, if necessary, to put toward the project. I am delighted to report that a new member, Elizabeth Olson, and a somewhat more senior member, Ann Capell have teamed up to co-chair the next phase of our Capital Campaign which will include following up on the outstanding pledges and contacting those people who haven’t become part of our effort. I hope you each make a strong commitment and second effort to help complete this project.
It might strike you as odd that while the whole rest of the country is in an economic recession, we are going forward with growth and development plans. But it really shouldn’t. That’s what people of faith do. We are the leaders that call people toward growth, health, and community. As Jesus said, “…no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the