Architectural Review Committee Update - September 18, 2025

With the groundbreaking on September 7, we know that many of you are interested in what your new church will look like. On Sunday, September 14, at Adult Forum, we were able to give a brief glimpse of what the new building will look like. As our architect works towards completion, we anticipate that we will be able to present the full design to you in the coming weeks. We are confident that you will be pleased with the results!

For a little background, this process began last summer when we put our committee together and started visiting churches that would give us inspiration. At that time, we couldn’t hire an architect because we were still in negotiations for the purchase of a property. When we finally went to contract in spring of this year, we began interviewing architects in earnest. We decided that it was practical to hire a local architect whom our general contractor was familiar with and who had a strong track record. After much consideration, we settled on the firm RPGA Architects. We were impressed with their capabilities and their excitement for our project. So far, we have not been disappointed.

The general contractor who will build our new home is a company who has served us well over many decades, RJ Miller. As most of you know the owner, RJ is a long-time parishioner who has been very generous in sharing his time and resources. His company has an outstanding reputation in the community and has given us excellent support throughout the design process.

Two major factors in how we could proceed were our capital campaign and the extensive needs assessment that we conducted in our parish last fall. Thanks to all of you, both were a rousing success and provided us with the critical tools necessary to begin the process. The fact that we were starting with an attractive and well-built structure has been a big advantage. We knew that the styling of all improvements would be dictated by the impressive neo-gothic nave. With that important inspiration in place, we proceeded with determining how to add or remodel the spaces to our needs. After evaluating several options, we are proud to confirm that the basic design is now in place. As we look to the long-term future of our parish, we are also developing a comprehensive master plan that may eventually encompass the entire block.

Currently, we are anticipating a completion date for fall of 2026. I know I speak for everyone on this committee when I say that it is an honor and privilege to serve our parish in this sacred and historic task. We have pledged to be responsible stewards of your generous gifts, and know that all we do must be to the greater glory of God.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Robinson, Chairman

Architectural Review Committee