EMBRACING THE PAST
RENEWING THE FUTURE
SANCTUARY RENOVATION FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
September 1926
Easter 2016
Generations Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord. ~Psalm 102:18
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ince the first worship service held in our sanctuary on Easter Sunday in 1926, four generations of families have gathered at 930 North Boulevard to proclaim their faith and praise God together. With gratitude in their hearts and hope for the future, previous generations took bold steps to build a house for God and a home for the congregation of First United Methodist Church. Today, we find ourselves between a rich and revered past and a future of great possibility. It is now our time to make an investment in the future.
Generations of Worship How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of God, and this is the gate of heaven. ~Genesis 28:17
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ur congregation has always been a caring community. We care about sharing the good news of Christ with the world! We care about passing the faith of Christ on to our children, teaching them great hymns, prayers, and affirmations. We care about the needs of older members and their full participation. We care about all people.
Our sanctuary is where those needs are met and where people hear the gospel proclaimed. It is where generations have prayed and praised together, married, baptized their children, and watched them grow to confirm their own faith, and said farewell to their loved ones. It is where we hear God’s call through the Scriptures and each other. While our current space has been well cared for, today we have an opportunity to enhance and improve the space in which we worship. After consulting with nationally known experts, we envision: • • • • • •
Acoustical upgrades to better hear one another, improve congregational singing, and enhance sanctuary music A new sound system to ensure that the lessons, prayers, and sermons can be clearly heard throughout the sanctuary A Digital Loop System to provide headset-free access for the hearing impaired Better accessibility for the disabled Improved lighting to enhance visibility and engagement A new organ to help the congregation worship God more fully through music
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s a part of the sanctuary renovation, we will engage Terry Byrd Eason Design, a liturgical design firm from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that consults with churches and architects throughout the United States on worship space design. Mr. Eason's goal is to help us identify and address our present needs, envision our potential future needs, and then create a well-designed space that responds in terms of function, visual strength, lighting, color, ornament, acoustics, and detail.
First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA Before and After Renovation
Since 1983, Mr. Eason's firm has worked with over one hundred-twenty churches in more than ten denominations and faith traditions and more than thirty-five different architectural firms. Pictured to the right are examples of Mr. Eason's work. First Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC Before and After Renovation
An Organ for Generations Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horns−shout for joy before the Lord, the King. -Psalm 98:4-6
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usic has always been a major part of inspiration and joy at First United Methodist Church. The centerpiece of our music is the organ. The power and beauty of a pipe organ raises our spirits; it lifts our minds and hearts. The unleashing of the full spectrum of an organ’s power can move us to tears, console our grief, and enhance our joy. While our current organ has served our congregation well since 1972, the years have taken a toll and it is time for a new instrument worthy of inspiring future generations. After extensive study, travel, and research, Lamar Drummonds and leaders have concluded that the installation of a new organ is the best path forward. •
The new organ will have superior tone quality and blend
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It will be better able to support congregational singing and choral accompaniment with subtlety, variety, and, when required, uplifting power and authority
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The organ will be custom-built to blend with our existing architectural style and enhance the beauty of our sanctuary
A new organ will also benefit the Baton Rouge community. First United Methodist Church has always prided itself on being a leader in the community by hosting musical events and benefit concerts. With a new organ, we will once again position ourselves to be an attractive venue for the community.
A Concept Rendering
September 1926
As we approach the centennial celebration of our sanctuary, let us restore this much loved space to last for the next 100 years and, in doing so, strengthen our commitment to glorifying God in worship.
Easter 2017
Project Cost Estimates $180 K $150 K
$1.5 MIL $1.5 MIL
$200 K The cost estimate for this project is $3,500,000. $1.5 million for the new organ (an opportunity to name the organ in memory of or in tribute to an individual or family is available) $1.5 million for flooring, painting, lighting, and reconfiguring the chancel area as proposed by Terry Eason, Liturgical Designer $200,000 for an updated sound system proposed by Scott Riedel and Associates and DSH Audio Visions $180,000 for contingency expenses $150,000 for design and consultant fees The members and friends of First United Methodist Church are asked to prayerfully consider how they will contribute to this historic opportunity. Visit firstmethodist.org for more information.
Here are symbols to remind us of our lifelong need of grace, here are table, font, and pulpit; here the cross has central place. Here in honesty of preaching, here in silence, as in speech, here, in newness and renewal, God the Spirit comes to each. - United Methodist Hymnal #660, God is Here
930 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 383-4777 | firstmethodist.org