Dear Parishioners,
The Committee plan is to solicit input to the renovation from each of the parish ministries. Last week the committee, Intec and the acoustical engineer met with several of our music ministers to discuss their needs and receive their input. We had an informative discussion about how the interior features of a redesigned worship space could affect the perceived quality of speech from the Sanctuary, as well as the music and singing. This has heightened our sensitivity to choose redesign options that best balances the respective needs of each.
Using Intec’s 3-D interactive computer modeling, we are beginning to get an understanding of what the new Sanctuary would look like in relation to the surrounding walls, ceiling, skylight and windows. In this context, we were able to “virtually” see the redesign options such as new two-columns vs. open truss roof support systems; Sanctuary shape, size and placement; the Sanctuary reredos (back wall) shape and tabernacle placement; and the degree of reredos screening of the windows and skylight, as may be seen from various seating positions within the worship space.
We also spent considerable time discussing upgrade and replacement options to our aging and noisy HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. As you can imagine, there are considerable differences between the two HVAC options as to efficiency, sound level, life-cycle cost and payback, and construction complexity and cost. In any case, we are determined to eliminate the existing ‘silos’ and the unacceptable noise they make, while finding the best long-term solution.
At our upcoming meetings we plan to evaluate Intec’s costing estimates of the Sanctuary, HVAC options, and pew styles. Come back often to share the news of your Renovation Committee’s planning progress. Send us your comments and ideas, simply click on the "Contact the Committee" link on the home page of this site!
Yours in Christ,
The Renovation Committee
