Congregational Meeting, 11:00AM for the purpose of discussing and voting on building committees recommendation for PHASE I.
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Col 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Structural Concerns for Bethel's Sanctuary Update #2 from the Renovation/Construction Committee
From the October 2006 edition of the Bethel Light
On August 8th, Bethel's Renovation/Construction Committee met with Mr. Tom Gibson, of COGUN. COGUN has completed 630 successful building projects for several different denominations. Locally, they are viewed as the success behind the expansion of the Chippewa Evangelical Free Church and the total relocation of the Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio. The Committee is planning and informational meeting at a date in the near future, possibly a luncheon after the 2nd worship service [which occurred on Oct. 22, 2006]. At this meeting the committee will discuss with the congregation how the Committee was led to contact this organization. We will also explain what their potential role might be in making "our vision" a reality.
Our committee met again on September 13th to discuss COGUN's presentation and also to digest the information offered by the Trustee's inspection of our current sanctuary inspection. Based on the extent of the damage offered by the Trustees and from the findings of independent inspection, we were able to come to a milestone decision. "From this point forward the Committee's efforts will be focused on construction and not on a renovation."
- Doug Montgomery, Elder and Chairman
From the October 2006 edition of the Bethel Light
On August 8th, Bethel's Renovation/Construction Committee met with Mr. Tom Gibson, of COGUN. COGUN has completed 630 successful building projects for several different denominations. Locally, they are viewed as the success behind the expansion of the Chippewa Evangelical Free Church and the total relocation of the Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio. The Committee is planning and informational meeting at a date in the near future, possibly a luncheon after the 2nd worship service [which occurred on Oct. 22, 2006]. At this meeting the committee will discuss with the congregation how the Committee was led to contact this organization. We will also explain what their potential role might be in making "our vision" a reality.
Our committee met again on September 13th to discuss COGUN's presentation and also to digest the information offered by the Trustee's inspection of our current sanctuary inspection. Based on the extent of the damage offered by the Trustees and from the findings of independent inspection, we were able to come to a milestone decision. "From this point forward the Committee's efforts will be focused on construction and not on a renovation."
- Doug Montgomery, Elder and Chairman
Our Beloved Sanctuary in Crisis!
From the November 2006 edition of the Bethel Light
Well, not yet! An informational meeting was held after the 2nd worship [service] on Sunday, October 22nd in the Fellowship Hall. Following a "Tureen Dinner," representatives of the Session and Trustee's Boards presented a dire picture of the physical condition of our 140+ year old Sanctuary [Constructed initially in 1868, with an addition added in 1951]. Recent inspection(s) by engineers and other building professionals has identified serious structural problems throughout the original church building. Termites, wood beetles and carpenter ants have wrecked havoc on the support and foundational structure of the sanctuary and it will require a major renovation to correct. Members of the committee appointed from the Boards to investigate and recommend a solution feel that we are at an important point in our history. We can either spend 1-2 hundred thousand dollars or more to gut and rebuild our current sanctuary, or we can build new. The committee members investigated options and opportunities and recommended to the Joint Board that we build new. The Joint Boards were unanimous in their concurrence of a new build[ing]. However, much study, planning and prayer must be done before we make the choice between new or rebuild. And the recommended solution will have to be voted on and approved by the Congregation. Prayer is sought for wisdom and discernment for our Boards and our members as we look for the best solution. Nathan Leslie, our internet Web Site Manager, volunteered to provide a link on Bethel's web page to ask questions make suggestions, present ideas, wants, needs and comments. Or, you can share your thoughts by letter to the Session or Trustee's. Your thoughts, concerns, questions are valued. Please understand, nothing is decided yet. We have time to plan and decide. The building is still safe. In all things praise God! He is the author and finisher of our faith.
From the November 2006 edition of the Bethel Light
Well, not yet! An informational meeting was held after the 2nd worship [service] on Sunday, October 22nd in the Fellowship Hall. Following a "Tureen Dinner," representatives of the Session and Trustee's Boards presented a dire picture of the physical condition of our 140+ year old Sanctuary [Constructed initially in 1868, with an addition added in 1951]. Recent inspection(s) by engineers and other building professionals has identified serious structural problems throughout the original church building. Termites, wood beetles and carpenter ants have wrecked havoc on the support and foundational structure of the sanctuary and it will require a major renovation to correct. Members of the committee appointed from the Boards to investigate and recommend a solution feel that we are at an important point in our history. We can either spend 1-2 hundred thousand dollars or more to gut and rebuild our current sanctuary, or we can build new. The committee members investigated options and opportunities and recommended to the Joint Board that we build new. The Joint Boards were unanimous in their concurrence of a new build[ing]. However, much study, planning and prayer must be done before we make the choice between new or rebuild. And the recommended solution will have to be voted on and approved by the Congregation. Prayer is sought for wisdom and discernment for our Boards and our members as we look for the best solution. Nathan Leslie, our internet Web Site Manager, volunteered to provide a link on Bethel's web page to ask questions make suggestions, present ideas, wants, needs and comments. Or, you can share your thoughts by letter to the Session or Trustee's. Your thoughts, concerns, questions are valued. Please understand, nothing is decided yet. We have time to plan and decide. The building is still safe. In all things praise God! He is the author and finisher of our faith.
Sanctuary Building Committee – November Update
From the December 2006 edition of the Bethel Light
The committee will be meeting on November 20th at 7:00 PM with Rick Burkett, Cornerstone Management. Cornerstone has been involved with both commercial and church building projects since 2000. Most recent, they were responsible for the design and construction of Ben Bissett Chevrolet in Mercer Pa. Cornerstone is the second of three project facilitators that we will be meeting with. The first group was Cogun, North Lima Ohio. The third will be McKnight Group, Grove City Ohio. Our tentative date for the meeting with McKnight is January 9, 2007.
To present, we have not made any commitments and we have incurred no costs. We are still gathering information so that at the appropriate time we can make a recommendation.
In the interim, it has been brought up in many meetings and conversations that we should consider starting a “Building Fund.” Starting on December 3rd, there will be marked envelopes in the back of the pews.
- Doug Montgomery
From the December 2006 edition of the Bethel Light
The committee will be meeting on November 20th at 7:00 PM with Rick Burkett, Cornerstone Management. Cornerstone has been involved with both commercial and church building projects since 2000. Most recent, they were responsible for the design and construction of Ben Bissett Chevrolet in Mercer Pa. Cornerstone is the second of three project facilitators that we will be meeting with. The first group was Cogun, North Lima Ohio. The third will be McKnight Group, Grove City Ohio. Our tentative date for the meeting with McKnight is January 9, 2007.
To present, we have not made any commitments and we have incurred no costs. We are still gathering information so that at the appropriate time we can make a recommendation.
In the interim, it has been brought up in many meetings and conversations that we should consider starting a “Building Fund.” Starting on December 3rd, there will be marked envelopes in the back of the pews.
- Doug Montgomery
Report on Stained Glass Windows
January 30, 2007
(Posted March 26, 2007)
In October 2006, I contacted Hoyt Institute of New Castle as a starting place for information on people who work in stain glass. I spoke with Mr. Don Gold and he suggested to contact the Methodist Church on Decker Drive, New Castle and also the Diocese of Pittsburgh because of their restoration of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In October 2006, I contacted by Email Rev. Ron Lengwin Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. They had just done extensive restoration on the windows in the Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh. He put me in touch with Rev. Jim Zielinski, Director of Property & Development for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Rev. Zielinski gave me four companies who work in restoration. Three are local to Pittsburgh and one had moved to Iowa. In the four listed was also Hunt Stain Glass of Pittsburgh. He stated all were excellent at their restoration, but I chose to contact Hunt Studio.
In December 2006 I Contacted Methodist Church on Decker Drive, New Castle and spoke with Linda Cunningham who was Chairperson for the stain glass windows of the church. Her committee had visited several studios in Pittsburgh and choose Hunt Studio. She recommended very highly to contact Hunt Stain Glass Studio of Pittsburgh, Pa. Linda and her committee visited the studio before choosing Hunt. They then made numerous trips to the studio to see progress on their windows.
Hunt Stain Glass Studios
Pittsburgh, PA
www.huntstainedglasss.com
Hunt Stain Glass Studio originated with Henry Hunt, who worked with is father in London, England. The studio opened in 1906. In 1943 it then became the responsibility of his sons, George (President) and James. From 1966 until 1987 it was owned by J.R. Lally. Nicholas Parrendro became owner 1987 and still owns studio. Nicholas hired by George Hunt in 1950. The company has clients who use their expertise from many foreign countries.
In the first part of December, Tom Lennox of Hunt Stained Glass Studios of Pittsburgh came to the church to inspect the windows at no cost to the church. His observations were:
The windows are dated to 1870’s [earlier than we initially thought]. There are round bar supports, which were used at that period of time.
The window with Bethel is very unusual and would have been very expensive for 1870’s. Mr. Lennox could not offer a cost estimate because it was so unusual.
Repair bars are flat and not used until the 1900’s
The windows would have cost approximately $1,000.00 when new. Now they would be ten times that amount.
The leading is deteriorating and needs attention.
It takes one hour to remove 10 pieces of glass. Each step in restoring/repairing just 10 pieces glass to efficient, weatherproof, excellent condition could take 25-30 hours. The larger stained glass windows have more than 600 pieces.
We have two windows in storage that have the original bars dating them to 1870‘s. They have no flat repair bars. These were removed when the sanctuary was enlarged in the1950’s. Some of our windows are in better condition than others, but all are worth repairing . There is no window that cannot be fixed.
Their process is to take the window completely apart, clean, repair, and reassemble with all new lead. Total restoration could be approximately $18,000.00 per window including the weatherized protection. All our windows would probably take approximately 6 months to 1 year to finish.
If we choose not to use the windows at the time of rebuilding, the company can frame them in to make them safe for storage. The company can store them for us, but at a cost.
There are many ways to use the windows: as dividers in unique places, along stairwells, in doors, and of course as windows. These ideas would have to be considered in the beginning plans of a new facility.
Mr. Lennox took measurements of all windows and will submit a proposal. He stated all their work is done such as ours, down the road. The cost will reflect today’s prices. Each year we would add the cost of living rise to the price quoted.
Three of us met with Mr. Lennox. We feel this is a knowledgeable company with integrity and proficiency.
Other stain glass companies:
Mr. Kirk Weaver - Stain Glass Resources, Inc.
Mr. H. B. Mertz - Renaissance Glassworks
Mr. Ron Board - Bovard Studio, Inc.
Submitted by: Nancy Gibson
(Also present at the meeting with Mr. Lennox: Alice Young, and Lloyd Raney)
January 30, 2007
(Posted March 26, 2007)
In October 2006, I contacted Hoyt Institute of New Castle as a starting place for information on people who work in stain glass. I spoke with Mr. Don Gold and he suggested to contact the Methodist Church on Decker Drive, New Castle and also the Diocese of Pittsburgh because of their restoration of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In October 2006, I contacted by Email Rev. Ron Lengwin Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. They had just done extensive restoration on the windows in the Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh. He put me in touch with Rev. Jim Zielinski, Director of Property & Development for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Rev. Zielinski gave me four companies who work in restoration. Three are local to Pittsburgh and one had moved to Iowa. In the four listed was also Hunt Stain Glass of Pittsburgh. He stated all were excellent at their restoration, but I chose to contact Hunt Studio.
In December 2006 I Contacted Methodist Church on Decker Drive, New Castle and spoke with Linda Cunningham who was Chairperson for the stain glass windows of the church. Her committee had visited several studios in Pittsburgh and choose Hunt Studio. She recommended very highly to contact Hunt Stain Glass Studio of Pittsburgh, Pa. Linda and her committee visited the studio before choosing Hunt. They then made numerous trips to the studio to see progress on their windows.
Hunt Stain Glass Studios
Pittsburgh, PA
www.huntstainedglasss.com
Hunt Stain Glass Studio originated with Henry Hunt, who worked with is father in London, England. The studio opened in 1906. In 1943 it then became the responsibility of his sons, George (President) and James. From 1966 until 1987 it was owned by J.R. Lally. Nicholas Parrendro became owner 1987 and still owns studio. Nicholas hired by George Hunt in 1950. The company has clients who use their expertise from many foreign countries.
In the first part of December, Tom Lennox of Hunt Stained Glass Studios of Pittsburgh came to the church to inspect the windows at no cost to the church. His observations were:
The windows are dated to 1870’s [earlier than we initially thought]. There are round bar supports, which were used at that period of time.
The window with Bethel is very unusual and would have been very expensive for 1870’s. Mr. Lennox could not offer a cost estimate because it was so unusual.
Repair bars are flat and not used until the 1900’s
The windows would have cost approximately $1,000.00 when new. Now they would be ten times that amount.
The leading is deteriorating and needs attention.
It takes one hour to remove 10 pieces of glass. Each step in restoring/repairing just 10 pieces glass to efficient, weatherproof, excellent condition could take 25-30 hours. The larger stained glass windows have more than 600 pieces.
We have two windows in storage that have the original bars dating them to 1870‘s. They have no flat repair bars. These were removed when the sanctuary was enlarged in the1950’s. Some of our windows are in better condition than others, but all are worth repairing . There is no window that cannot be fixed.
Their process is to take the window completely apart, clean, repair, and reassemble with all new lead. Total restoration could be approximately $18,000.00 per window including the weatherized protection. All our windows would probably take approximately 6 months to 1 year to finish.
If we choose not to use the windows at the time of rebuilding, the company can frame them in to make them safe for storage. The company can store them for us, but at a cost.
There are many ways to use the windows: as dividers in unique places, along stairwells, in doors, and of course as windows. These ideas would have to be considered in the beginning plans of a new facility.
Mr. Lennox took measurements of all windows and will submit a proposal. He stated all their work is done such as ours, down the road. The cost will reflect today’s prices. Each year we would add the cost of living rise to the price quoted.
Three of us met with Mr. Lennox. We feel this is a knowledgeable company with integrity and proficiency.
Other stain glass companies:
Mr. Kirk Weaver - Stain Glass Resources, Inc.
Mr. H. B. Mertz - Renaissance Glassworks
Mr. Ron Board - Bovard Studio, Inc.
Submitted by: Nancy Gibson
(Also present at the meeting with Mr. Lennox: Alice Young, and Lloyd Raney)
Sanctuary Building Committee Update – June 2007
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
This has become my personal anthem on the heels of Pastor Bill’s announcement. I had heard these scripture words sung loudly by Bethel’s kids at Cross Trainers. I must have heard a pastor preach on this subject from the pulpit. Surely I had read it in the Bible. Until now, I never understood these words so well and I would pray that each and every one of you adopt them as God’s answer to concerns about our building project.
There has to be some of you thinking “How can we approach a new building project when we don’t have a Pastor?” For a brief moment, I too thought the same thing. I realized that I was thinking like Doug the husband, father and worrier; not like Doug the Elder, brother and member of an amazing church family that is blessed by God. God placed the building project in front of us just as he placed the desire for Pastor Bill to accept a new call and ministry. We should view both with excitement and with confidence. God will not lead us to failure just as he will not lead Bill’s new ministry to failure. How do I know this? Read the scripture above…get the picture?
In the near future the Building Committee will make a formal letter of recommendation to the Session and Trustees. The letter will offer who our committee has picked to design, facilitate and manage the construction of a new Bethel Church. We will also be asking that we be allowed to move forward with Phase I of the construction project so that we have a shared vision of what God has in store for us.
In God’s Love,
Doug Montgomery
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
This has become my personal anthem on the heels of Pastor Bill’s announcement. I had heard these scripture words sung loudly by Bethel’s kids at Cross Trainers. I must have heard a pastor preach on this subject from the pulpit. Surely I had read it in the Bible. Until now, I never understood these words so well and I would pray that each and every one of you adopt them as God’s answer to concerns about our building project.
There has to be some of you thinking “How can we approach a new building project when we don’t have a Pastor?” For a brief moment, I too thought the same thing. I realized that I was thinking like Doug the husband, father and worrier; not like Doug the Elder, brother and member of an amazing church family that is blessed by God. God placed the building project in front of us just as he placed the desire for Pastor Bill to accept a new call and ministry. We should view both with excitement and with confidence. God will not lead us to failure just as he will not lead Bill’s new ministry to failure. How do I know this? Read the scripture above…get the picture?
In the near future the Building Committee will make a formal letter of recommendation to the Session and Trustees. The letter will offer who our committee has picked to design, facilitate and manage the construction of a new Bethel Church. We will also be asking that we be allowed to move forward with Phase I of the construction project so that we have a shared vision of what God has in store for us.
In God’s Love,
Doug Montgomery
August 5, 2007
To: Bethel Church Family,
The Sanctuary Building Committee has been meeting monthly since September 2006. We have heard presentations by and conducted process interviews with the following three construction managers:
Cogun Industries, North Lima Ohio
Cornerstone Construction Management, New Castle PA – % Rick Burkett
McKnight Group, Grove City Ohio
To aide in an accurate evaluation of each company, we sent a response letter that would give us a direct comparison of services and costs. Each facilitator was challenged to answer all questions and give estimates to each phase of the building process.
Phase 1 – Conception (site survey, utilities, permitting)
Phase 2 – Document and Design (engineered drawings)
Phase 3 – Construction (site management)
From their lack of response, we were able to “sort out” Cogun Industries. We moved forward and scheduled second interviews with Cornerstone and McKnight. Based on their presentations, project experience, response to our interview questions, estimated costs and prayer we are able to make the following recommendation. It is our committee’s formal recommendation that we move ahead with Phase 1 of our building project with the support of Cornerstone Construction Management, under the direction of Rick Burkett.
Respectfully,
Bethel Sanctuary Building Committee
To: Bethel Church Family,
The Sanctuary Building Committee has been meeting monthly since September 2006. We have heard presentations by and conducted process interviews with the following three construction managers:
Cogun Industries, North Lima Ohio
Cornerstone Construction Management, New Castle PA – % Rick Burkett
McKnight Group, Grove City Ohio
To aide in an accurate evaluation of each company, we sent a response letter that would give us a direct comparison of services and costs. Each facilitator was challenged to answer all questions and give estimates to each phase of the building process.
Phase 1 – Conception (site survey, utilities, permitting)
Phase 2 – Document and Design (engineered drawings)
Phase 3 – Construction (site management)
From their lack of response, we were able to “sort out” Cogun Industries. We moved forward and scheduled second interviews with Cornerstone and McKnight. Based on their presentations, project experience, response to our interview questions, estimated costs and prayer we are able to make the following recommendation. It is our committee’s formal recommendation that we move ahead with Phase 1 of our building project with the support of Cornerstone Construction Management, under the direction of Rick Burkett.
Respectfully,
Bethel Sanctuary Building Committee
By request of several church members at the October 22, 2006 congregational meeting, we are adding a section to our webpage in order to keep the members and friends of Bethel Church both near and far updated on the current task facing our congregation.
If you receive the "Bethel Light," our monthly church newsletter, you have seen in the past few months some talk about needed remodeling and renovations to our church. It is our hope to provide a means of allowing members to know what is happening and to make suggestions, provide thoughts, concerns, wants, needs and comments through this process.
The foremost request for those who read this is that we ask you to join us in prayer. The value of seeking God through prayer and worship is a theme stressed over and over again throughout Scripture. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray using the familiar "Lord's Prayer." In Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), the Apostle Paul exhorts his readers to, "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through this whole process, we are praying that God would give us wisdom and that He would lead us as we work toward achieving this end. Such prayers and petitions would be treasured.
At current, there is some information available. However, we do not have all the answers yet, and thus it must be remembered that no decision has been made. This process will take some time, and in accordance with regulations set forth by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Constitution, all active members of Bethel Church will have a vote on the final design and decision. However, at this point, your thoughts, concerns, comments and ideas are all welcomed. We will set up a forum for this in the upcoming few weeks.
In the mean time, here is some information that is available. The following articles come from the Bethel Light and provide information on what has transpired to this point:
If you receive the "Bethel Light," our monthly church newsletter, you have seen in the past few months some talk about needed remodeling and renovations to our church. It is our hope to provide a means of allowing members to know what is happening and to make suggestions, provide thoughts, concerns, wants, needs and comments through this process.
The foremost request for those who read this is that we ask you to join us in prayer. The value of seeking God through prayer and worship is a theme stressed over and over again throughout Scripture. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray using the familiar "Lord's Prayer." In Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), the Apostle Paul exhorts his readers to, "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through this whole process, we are praying that God would give us wisdom and that He would lead us as we work toward achieving this end. Such prayers and petitions would be treasured.
At current, there is some information available. However, we do not have all the answers yet, and thus it must be remembered that no decision has been made. This process will take some time, and in accordance with regulations set forth by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Constitution, all active members of Bethel Church will have a vote on the final design and decision. However, at this point, your thoughts, concerns, comments and ideas are all welcomed. We will set up a forum for this in the upcoming few weeks.
In the mean time, here is some information that is available. The following articles come from the Bethel Light and provide information on what has transpired to this point:
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