Together: Faith. Mission. Life.

Project Goal

To create space to promote fellowship for our members, encouraging greater participation and interaction before, between, and after church services and special events as well as create a welcoming space for community engagement and visitors.

Key Design Elements

The overall narthex size is 3700 sq ft with the large open space being 1400+ square feet and about 18 feet of head space serving as a key gathering space before and after church services, as a possible adult Bible class location, and gathering space for non-member events.

Addition of 3 new single-use bathrooms, including one adjacent to a flexible-use room (bride’s room, gathering space for families prior to a funeral, etc.).

Minimize physical disruption to our historic sanctuary when connecting the narthex and maximize visibility of the sanctuary.

The glass faced interconnector allows for a view of the north side of the church from the east.

The interior narthex open space allows for easy viewing of the great north sanctuary window.

Interior ramps are designed to minimize the steps needed to get from the ground level to church level.

A courtyard will provide additional fellowship space adjoining the new narthex; the courtyard is about 1500+ square feet and can be used for a variety of functions.

The covered driveway is designed to accommodate primarily one car in width and will prove valuable for older adults during adverse weather conditions and easier movement of caskets during funerals.

Visually link elements of the narthex to the historic sanctuary architecture, including a mix of surfaces (brick, glass, and a copper patina look) and decorative arches on the upper narthex windows. This follows guidelines for preservation of historic structures.

Ministry Opportunities

Weekly fellowship before and after worship services in a space directly adjacent to the sanctuary.

An easy area to set up for hospitality, including Sunday morning coffee.

A clear and easily accessible space for guest information.

Receptions to meet-and-greet new members.

Space for SPLS Grandparent Day check-in and waiting.

Display artwork and pictures from SPLS.

Showcase special ministry projects.

Reception space after SPLHS concerts and special events.

Flexible use room can be used as a small rehearsal space for ensembles outside of the sanctuary and a space for families and participants to gather prior to funerals, concerts, special events, etc.

Gathering space for processionals (e.g., Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, Graduation, and other things previously not explored due to space limitations)

In general, removing physical barriers that hold people back from joining Bible classes and services.

Ministry Expansion Campaign

Our Ministry Expansion Campaign Team is planning three identical awareness forums to share information about the Phase 1A narthex project and better answer questions that you and others in the congregation might have. These will be held:

Sunday, March 15 | 9:15–10:15 am
Wednesday, March 18 | 8 – 9 pm
Sunday, March 22 | 12 noon – 1 pm