INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW!
The first Sunday we worshiped in our new Sanctuary, a young college student was home for a visit and came to church with her family. She was pleased with the new paint and carpet and the freshness and beauty of the room. However, she immediately asked her mother what the almost $400,000 renovation price tag had entailed. That was an excellent inquiry and the mother suggested that the church “share” some of the cost information. We may all need to understand exactly what our pledge dollars have bought!
The bulk of the money given ($180,000) has been spent on demolition and removal of plaster walls, new sheetrock, new paint and new carpet. Carefully selected and complimentary paint and new carpet are easy features to see and enjoy! The beautiful millwork was custom made and cost almost $76,000. This work included widening of all doorways, wainscoting, widening of the vents above the doorways, a transom above the entrance door, the unique balcony and winding stairway up to the new balcony, and widening of the Narthex. New electrical work cost $36,000; we paid almost $28,000 in insurance and tax permits; the removal of the dropped ceiling and the restoration of the original tin ceiling cost $12,000. The sound system had to be reworked; the plexiglass was removed to show off our exquisite stained glass windows; there were items like architectural fees, travel, port-o-let rental, scaffolding rental, etc. etc. etc…..Like most things in life, the devil is in the details! If any member would like to see an itemized list of renovations, the information is available in the church office. Continued…..
BUT, just look at us now…..Old Williamsburg has undergone an overdue facelift and she’s back good as new and ready to go for another 100 years!
Finally, we urge each person who has not been “moved” to pay their pledge or to make a donation of any amount to get involved. Ways to get involved include buying a cookbook, mailing in a one-time check, committing to a weekly/monthly pledge. We’re all in this together and this beautiful house of God deserves our time, talent and treasure.
SANCTUARY COST: $389,191
PLEDGES MADE: $244,219
PLEDGES RECEIVED TO DATE: $204,414
Lou Easterling
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