On June 6, 2004, ARC made a presentation to the congregation briefly outlining new ideas the committee had been considering to do with our church facilities. These new ideas were formulated from past discussions and comments concerning the original designs by Cecilia Humphreys.

A copy of the Proposal was made available to all members of the congregation, and the committee asked for feedback by August 3, 2004. As a result, ARC received 16 written responses to the Proposal. The following is a brief summary of the comments made.

General
Positive comments were made about various aspects of the proposal, together with a lot of constructive criticism. The suggestions were made that we need: to express our gratitude for what we have, to take a leap of faith, to leave a legacy not a huge debt, and to address the necessary problems. Someone questioned whether the renovations were being driven by a small group of parishioners. A concern was that some people might leave the parish during the renovations.

Ministry Space
There was general support for upgrading ministry space, but people proposed alternate uses for various spaces in the ancillary areas, and included comments on the design, size and use of these spaces. They also questioned the effects of moving the community shop into a newly excavated crypt. It was noted that the library was not mentioned.

Music
There was considerably divided opinion on the placement of the choir, with suggestions including placing the choir in a balcony at the east end of the nave, leaving them where they are, or seating them down front so they faced the congregation. Some people thought we should sell the organ, others did not. It was deemed important that an acoustical analysis be done prior to any work in the nave. The thought was expressed that too much emphasis was being placed on music.

Nave Changes
Several people were in support of adding a balcony at the east end of the nave. The amount of seating for congregation was a concern for many. Some people wanted no changes at all. The question was asked as to why moving the altar was considered as "essential work."

Design Considerations
The committee was reminded to ensure that all areas were accessible for disabled people, and that plumbing and safety requirements were met. There was a question of whether it was wise to excavate the crypt. One person stated that the proposed plan seemed to have lost a sense of beauty and the sacred. It was felt that administration should be close to Somerset Street. We were asked what was going to happen in the ramp space between the church and the community shop. One person proposed an alternate design integrating church space with the parking lot development to give more parking.

Finances
The essence of comments made concerning financing was to question the ability of the parish to raise sufficient funds, to ask us to look at a more limited scope, and to comment on specific expenses. A more detailed breakdown of costs was requested.

Thank You:
ARC would like to thank all who took the time to respond to the Proposal. The committee is seriously considering all comments. The congregation can rest assured that absolutely nothing will be done without their support and approval. The next step is a parish discussion on September 19 with the proposed renovations to the basement as the focus.

A detailed list of the comments written to ARC can be found on the bulletin board across from the Burke room, and copies are available in the church office.