SANCTUARY RENOVATION UPDATE

The Generations Capital Campaign for the sanctuary renovation has been a tremendous success. The congregation has generously responded and to date we have received pledges and gifts totaling $ 3,612,396. The Board of Trustees has committed a portion of their budget for a professional accessibility study for the sanctuary, and to kick off funding for the needed accessibility work. The study will investigate ways to improve access to the church for the elderly and for persons using wheelchairs.

On Monday, July 2, 2018, Reverend Whitton and Jim Smith, Board of Trustees Chair, signed a contract for a new organ to be built by Casavant Frères of Saint-Hayacinthe, Quebec. Founded in 1879, Casavant Frères is one of the best-known and most respected pipe organ builders in the world. Organs built by Casavant can be found on all six inhabited continents, ranging from small portable organs of only a few stops to enormous cathedral and concert hall instruments. Representatives from Casavant have visited Baton Rouge several times and have begun working on a design that will not only meet our musical needs, but will also accentuate the beauty of the sanctuary.

Members of the Sanctuary Renovation Committee (Alan Brock, Lamar Drummonds, Jerry Fischer, Norma Killgore, Phil Preis, Cliff Vannoy, and Rev. Whitton) have met with Liturgical Designer, Terry Eason, and are well on the way to having design drawings for the sanctuary renovation. One of the many goals of the renovation is to improve sight lines for persons sitting in the balcony as well as in the lower level of the sanctuary. Terry Eason’s creative suggestions for improved sight lines will have a positive impact on worshippers experiencing the consecration of communion elements, baptisms, children’s sermons, children’s choirs, and sermons offered at the pulpit. Additional renderings and information will be shared in the coming months.

If you have not made a commitment to the Generations Sanctuary Renovation Project, we need you to participate to this once-in-a-generation effort. There are always unexpected costs related to a project of this size; in addition, we would like to create an ongoing maintenance fund for the sanctuary. This is an exciting time in the life of our congregation. Thank you for your commitment to our church and to this project. To God Be the Glory!

EMBRACING THE PAST

RENEWING THE FUTURE