Sanctuary Renovation Project
For some time, the congregation and various Church Committees have been discussing how we could improve the existing sanctuary configuration to make it more versatile, accessible and inviting. Session presented a motion at the Annual General Meeting in February 2010 that a Renovation Committee be appointed to explore various modifications with estimated costs.
The Renovation Committee comprised of Woody Thompson (chair), Graham Hicks (secretary), Laurie Galer, Dennis Kerr, Heather Brown, Paul Aicken, Robert Brown, Barry Bogle and Sandy Jenvey was commissioned Feb 7th 2010 via a motion of Session and an affirmative vote at the AGM. The mandate was:- “That the congregation 'approve in principle' changing the front of the church and the formation of a committee to prepare a detailed proposal to be presented to the congregation for approval”.
The Committee's Report was presented to the Congregation at a special meeting on May 30, 2010 and the proposed renovation and enhanced audio/video system were given approval.
The existing Sanctuary layout has several aspects that impede the worshipping and other special presentations that happen there.
-access through the South door from the Fellowship Hallway to the pew area is narrow and winding
-the wooden “fence” surrounding the pulpit and choir loft gives a feeling of separation between the congregation and the minister/choir
-the location of the organ and piano limits the versatility of setup for various special presentations
The congregation have an excellent view of the present screen at the front of the sanctuary.
The minister and choir have no view or at best a restricted view of the present projection screen at the front (S.E. corner) of the sanctuary. This view shows what they are seeing from the choir loft area. A suspended video projector is proposed to show the same image at the west (rear of the sanctuary) wall for much improved viewing.
The NEW Design
-new deeper 3-tier Platform, with 17.5ft of depth allowing space for special functions, versatility for choir location and size.
-present wooden barrier and trim removed
-organ console relocated and positioned at a 45 degree angle at the North wall
NEW Design Features
-with the organ relocated to the North wall and with the capability of moving the piano to various spots on the second tier platform, special presentations (especially CHILDREN'S) will be facilitated:
-drama
-choral recitals
-various musical instrument setups
-improved access to Choir Room and the Fellowship Hall via the wider open space at the south side
-this enlarged space may be used for overflow seating for special functions
-piano positioned on mid-tier and fully movable on a wheeled trolley
View that a person may see at floor level
-minister's lecturn, font and communion table can be easily relocated to suit special needs
Upgraded Audio/Visual (A/V) System
A new, revised and much improved A/V system will be installed. This includes improved suspended speakers, various wireless microphones, a control and mixing console as well as access points for instrumental amplification.
Computer based media presentations will be easily implemented.
Electrical and A/V wiring and hardware will be installed within the platform with readily accessible receptacles.
Various augmentations to the project are:
a) Refinishing the wood sanctuary floor
b) New carpeting in the sanctuary
c) Video distribution into the rear fellowship hall and adjoining rooms.
At the Annnual General Meeting, the congregation preferred to generate the required amount through donations from members, adherents and friends. We hope special fundraising activities won't be necessary.
We are confident our goal will be achieved resulting in an enriched worship experience at West Flamboro Presbyterian.
PROJECT UPDATE: The renovation was completed in time and under budget for the Dedication Service on March 13, 2011.
We appreciate permission from the Flamborough Review to copy the following article from their March 24, 2011 issue and the four photos (by Daniel Ho) below the newspaper article (click on these photos to get a larger view):
