Sanctuary restoration

We have undertaken a major project to improve worship quality by building a new space within the sanctuary walls. Following is a brief history of the need for restoration and recent progress toward toward addressing this need. The text of the motion that was passed unanimously by the Board of Trustees and Administrative Council in their April meetings follows. At the bottom is a description of ways that you can support the restoration project.

All proposals below have been approved by church committees, and almost all work is complete as of June 20, 2010. Fundraising, contributions, and commitments will continue until the project is fully paid. The finance committee has set a goal of paying off all loans issued by Round Top State Bank for this project in five years, by April of 2015.

A brief history of major facilities changes

to Lexington Methodist Churches

Mid to late 1800s: Early Chapel, German Methodist, and Lexington Methodist Churches were built.

1910s: Early Chapel and Lexington Methodist churches combined.

1920s and 1930s: The existing sanctuary was built, and German Methodist and Lexington Methodist churches combined.

1960s: The latest renovation of the sanctuary was performed.

In the history of our church, there has been a major investment made every thirty or forty years. It has been more than 43 years since the last renovation.

Invitation to a 1927 fundraiser

for building the sanctuary

Recent progress toward sanctuary restoration

2006: A Refurbishing Subcommittee was formed to recommend facilities improvements to the Board of Trustees.

2007: The Refurbishing Subcommittee conducted a survey of the congregation to get feedback on priorities for renovations. Responses were favorable. The subcommittee began seeking bids for sanctuary renovation projects.

2010: The Refurbishing Subcommittee—Cindy Jackson, Jan Lynn, Belinda Robertson, and Tina Woodward—presented a proposal for the restoration of the sanctuary interior in ways that seek to restore the look it had when built in the 1920s. The proposal was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees and the Administrative Council at their April meetings, and a project description is provided on the following pages.

Project overview

It has been over 40 years since the sanctuary of our church was renovated. The last renovation was a major overhaul, installing aqua carpet and upholstery, wall paneling, a drop ceiling, new lighting, and air conditioning. More than forty years later, we propose a renovation of similar proportions.

A renovation is necessary for several reasons. Some materials from the last renovation are showing their age, in some cases causing safety concerns that must be addressed. The carpeting is torn or stretched in several places, causing people to trip. The paneling is separating, and the surface is crumbling in places. Many light fixtures are broken or rusting.

The renovation in the 1960s was completed in an excellent, modern style. In 2010, we worship surrounded by a style that was fashionable in the 1960s. Although many of us are comfortable in this familiar environment, it does not present the image of a healthy, vibrant place of worship to our visitors. To avoid a similar feeling in 2050, we seek to restore the look of the sanctuary when it was first built. With proper maintenance, we hope that this classic style will provide an atmosphere that does not feel dated to future generations in our church.

Finally, the proposed renovation is not just skin deep. We plan to improve the comfort of our congregation to further enhance the worship experience. Our current air conditioning system struggles to maintain temperature, creating pockets of hot and cold. This proposal will add insulation to the walls and attic and a higher-capacity modern air conditioning and heating system.

We feel that all aspects of this proposal are necessary improvements. Although we could have reduced the size of the project by ignoring behind-the-walls problems like inadequate insulation, to do so would only defer these problems so that they have to be addressed in the near future.

In the end, we hope that this proposal will make our services safer, more comfortable, and appealing to our visitors by creating a new worship space within the red brick walls of our sanctuary.

Project items

Presented below is a more detailed list of the items proposed in this project:

· Wall-to-wall carpet installation

· Pew reupholstering

· Pew finish restoration

· Choir chair reupholstering

· Removal of paneling

· Installation of insulation in exterior walls

· Removal of tile in recessed cross area

· Installation of new 5/8” drywall on walls, ceiling, and recessed cross area

· Painting of new drywall

· Installation of chair rail around sanctuary

· Installation of new baseboards and shoe molding

· Removal of drop ceiling and restoration of original ceiling

· Ductwork changes to allow ceiling restoration

· Blow-in insulation in attic

· New, improved lighting in all areas (pendant lights are a gift)

· New sound system, including lower-profile speakers, amps, and mixer

· Carpentry to widen steps to the chancel area

· Raising height of kneeling rail to make steps equal height

· Installation of hand rail on the wall by the south steps to the chancel area

· Shutter installation on window by pulpit to replace paper clipped banners

· New, larger A/C units and heat (Exner)

· Replacement of projector and screen with flat panel monitors (gift)

An appendix follows with the bid from Church Interiors, Inc. [Please see a Trustee if you would like a copy of the detailed bid.] We propose the acceptance of their bid to be the main contractor for the restoration.

There is a separate bid on the A/C system from Exner. We propose the acceptance of his A/C bid.

We propose the acceptance of all gifts (marked “gift” above).

We propose hiring an electrician separately, to work in collaboration with Church Interiors in lighting and monitor installation.

Estimate for air conditioning replacement

We will upgrade to two higher capacity (5-ton) units.

W. O. Exner, who has provided our A/C system repairs in past years, has provided an estimate of $7,600 for the project (including all of the materials, installation, labor, and disposal of the old system).

Project budget summary

Restoration projects: Pew reupholstering and finish restoration, new wall-to-wall carpet, newly restored ceiling, new trim, shutters, and complete painting:

approximately $ 30,000

Building repairs and improvements: New walls, kneeling/step repairs, handrail, lighting, electrical, heating and A/C, sound system, and insulation in all walls and attic:

approximately $ 49,500

Total budget for restoration, building repairs, and system improvements:

approximately $ 79,500

Budget update: Because the 1928 electrical system was in worse shape than anticipated, the proposal was modified to a maximum budget of $ 97,000 in May meetings of the Trustees and Administrative Council. The revised project budget allows the installation of an entirely new, up-to-code electrical system running from the electric pole to every powered device and outlet in the sanctuary. The revised budget also allows the installation of new duct work to provide much better circulation of conditioned air in the sanctuary.

Sanctuary restoration sponsorship options

Some ways that you can make special donations to sponsor the restoration project are suggested below.

1. Sponsor the reupholstering and restoration of a pew for $400. Update: As of late May, all pews have been sponsored.

2. Donate $2,000 or more now, or make a commitment to a donation over the next five years ($2,000 over five years is about $34 in special donations per month).

3. Contribute or commit to special donations in other amounts.

The treasurers and finance committee have planned that if 30 families commit to $2,000 in special contributions over five years, and given that all 28 pews are already sponsored, the project will be fully funded.

If you are mailing a contribution or commitment, please address it to:

Lexington UMC

Attn: Treasurer

PO Box 116

Lexington, TX 78947

Please make the note “Sanctuary restoration fund” on your donation checks.

A sponsorship form that allows you to make selections on memorial or sponsorship plaque options can be downloaded here.