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.
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