Dear Parishioners,
The Committee has reached consensus and received Fr. Paul’s approval on several important redesign issues. First, the new roof support structure to accommodate the centrally relocated Sanctuary will be a single bent beam that will span the total wall-to-wall distance and be supported by reinforcing the existing columns at the side walls. This beam system will peak directly above the new Sanctuary and open up the full width of the area below, giving prominence to our sacred liturgies. It will also provide an unobstructed view of the entire Sanctuary from any seat within the worship space.
And secondly, in keeping with the St. Thomas à Becket Mission Statement to “live the Gospel of Jesus by acknowledging the dignity and value of all people” (found on the parish website), we have decided that the renovation would not be complete unless handicap access to the new Sanctuary was provided. This will augment the existing access to the rest of our church and the Parish Center, and will serve to encourage greater participation in our liturgies by those with disabilities. We are encouraged by the support of this recommendation by a number of parishioners and of the enthusiastic approval of Fr. Paul.
In the meantime, we continue to evaluate heating and air conditioning (HVAC) options as our Architect continues to refine the overall layout of the worship space. We will continue to share these progress milestones with the parish as soon as we can.
Keep watching the renovation board we have now set up in the Narthex for the latest developments!
In Christ,
The Renovation Committee
