Sanctuary Renovation Ministry
In 2015, the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church approved and commissioned the Sanctuary Ad Hoc Committee to investigate and recommend a plan to update the Sanctuary of the church to set in motion the means to meet the following objective found in the Worship Theme of the Mission Study of the church approved in June of 2014: Modernize the Sanctuary to include upgraded sound equipment and dynamic audio-visual capability, reconfigure the Sanctuary to enhance the worship experience. Sanctuary Renovation Ministry Members; Kathy Baker, Chair and Elder (’22), Ed Crawford, Ed Glover, Rick McKibben, Tom Harris, and Rev. April Cranford, Ex-Officio Member
Sanctuary Renovation Timeline
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In the fall of 2015, Westminster's Session approved the Sanctuary Ad Hoc Committee Charter.
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In 2016, the Ad Hoc Sanctuary Committee met for three years and hired Huff Morris Architects to design a remodel for the Sanctuary.
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In April 2019, the Ad Hoc Sanctuary committee gave two presentations to the congregation regarding the Sanctuary Renovation. View Sanctuary Presentation. (final plan to be approved)
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In 2019, Session approved the renovation of sanctuary as presented by Sanctuary Ad Hoc committee.
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In 2020, the pandemic began and the sanctuary renovation was put on hold.
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On January 24, 2021, Westminster's Session approved the Sanctuary Renovations- Next Steps Charter with the following members of the ministry; Kathy Baker (chair), Rev. April Cranford (ex-officio), Ed Crawford, Ed Glover, Rick McKibben, and Tom Harris. View Sanctuary Renovation Next Step Charter with the following purpose: Establish a plan, organizational structure, and timeline for the phases of the renovation project of the sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, VA, Inc. Promote and educate the people of Westminster of the value of the phases of this project to the future of the church as well as the changes that it may bring about to the future of worship here at Westminster.
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In May 2021, the Dream Team gave an update to the session and congregation.
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In 2022, we began raising funds for Sanctuary Enhancements. View May 22, 2022 Audio Visual Update Presentation
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In 2023, the dream team shared updates in worship, at gatherings after church, and with members at Summit Square Retirement Community.
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On May 9, 2023 StageSound completed the first phase of the Sanctuary Enhancements by installing a main speaker, choir loft speaker, balcony speaker, audio rack in sound room, and running interior wires
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In August 22, 2023, Session approved Sanctuary Enhancements Plan to remove seven back pews on each side of sanctuary, create a hospitality space, and flexible seating with tables.
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On Saturday, February 3, 2024, the men of the church removed the back fourteen pews in the sanctuary and two pews in the colonnade.
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Prayers continue over the years as we plan for the renovation of Westminster's sanctuary.
2024 Special Appeal
Our sanctuary has served the Westminster congregation since 1961 as a place of worship, for Christian Education, and to gather during times of celebration and loss.
Many of us have become accustomed to the sanctuary’s limits, but the discussion of enhancements has surfaced more frequently in recent years. Our sanctuary has served us well with the completion of cosmetic changes such as painting and lighting; however, the way we worship is changing. The need for flexibility and accessibility is increasing. The unique challenges of an intergenerational worship experience like ours invite us to respond.
Planned enhancements will significantly increase accessibility for members, visitors, and guests, in person and online. To make our worship more hospitable and meaningful, several improvements are planned, including:
- Audio control equipment, including digital mixer.
- Video monitors with computer.
- Livestream cameras with controls.
Your gifts are greatly appreciated as part of the Sanctuary Enhancement Special Appeal. If you have any questions please contact a Dream Team member: Kathy Baker, Ed Crawford, Ed Glover, Tom Harris, or Rick McKibben.