Architectural Review Committee
The Nave Sub-committee

1. The sub-committee will develop guiding principles for the renewal of the nave.



2. The sub-committee will consider the different design options describing the pros and cons of each option in relation to the guiding principles.



3. The sub-committee will prepare a communication and consultation strategy within the congregation for the ARC .



4. The sub-committee will recommend to the ARC the preferred design plan for a renewed nave.

1. Sacredness: The design will enhance the sacredness of the worship space.

Sacred space is set apart for encounters with God. It is holy ground, a sanctuary for those who seek refuge. The liturgies of the church mediate the presence of God, and the space in which these are enacted should reflect this reality.

2. Preservation: The design will identify for preservation historical and architectural elements in the worship space.

As custodians of that passed on to us by our forebears, it is essential to preserve the beauty and character of the historical and architectural elements of the worship space.

3. Community: The design will provide for the whole worshipping community to be in the same room.

From a biblical perspective we are all members of the body of Christ. It is especially important that the way we gather in worship express this oneness. Our worship space should express our biblical and social ideals by avoiding social, physical, and spiritual barriers.

4. Flexibility: The design will provide for liturgical flexibility of location of liturgical furniture (ex. font, altar, pulpit, lectern, seating, etc) and for flexibility for other functions (ex. concerts, exhibits, lectures) while maximizing seating space.

Flexibility of space for different worship styles is more important than ever. The BAS affirms this trend toward greater local expression. St John's location in Ottawa and the kinds of demands made upon its limited facilities underscore the importance of making the worship space flexible for multiple worship styles and other appropriate events as need and aesthetic allow.

5. Movement: The design will provide for ease of liturgical movement (e.g. processions, weddings, funerals) and for ease of traffic flow within and into the worship space.

Entering into the sacred space, being in it, and leave taking are important aspects of worship. Unobtrusive space is required to facilitate general and liturgical movement and stillness of the worshippers.

6. Music: The design will optimize the relationship between the organ, choir, and other instruments in order to enhance the quality of the music.

Music serves to enhance our worship and open our hearts to God. The choir needs to be located near the organ where both can give leadership to the congregation. Space for various orchestral instruments should be provided nearby the choir and organ. More reverberant acoustics in the nave will greatly enrich the worship experience of all.

7. Visibility: The design will ensure unencumbered sight lines for worshippers to the altar, lectern, and pulpit in order to keep them the focal point of worship.

It is essential for the fullest experience of community and worship that all present have an unencumbered view of the primary symbolic elements which draw us together in Word and Sacrament enabling us to feel that we are one body in Christ.

8. Basic Systems: The design will upgrade all basic systems ( e.g. safety and health codes, floor, lighting, acoustics, public address systems, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems).

All basic systems (heating and cooling, lighting, ventilation, the floor and the public address system) will be improved. Special attention will be given to items involving health, safety, and accessibility to and within the worship space.

• Hammer Beams and Ceiling - preserve and enhance



• Stained Glass Windows - all preserved and some may be moved.



• Pews - pews will continue to be used with viable ones being restored. Not all seating will be pews.



• The Warriors Chapel - all aspects preserved and integrated into smaller area.



• Wood Panelling - preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the wood.



• Plaques - refurbished and kept.



• Reredos - preserved and integrated into new design.



• Main Altar - preserved and integrated.



• Font, pulpit and lectern - preserved and integrated.



• Altar Rail - preserved and Integrated.



• Other Furniture - preserved and integrated.

Garth Bulmer, Sharon Schollar, Gordon Johnston, Beverlee Bewley, John Gallienne, Jack Gurney, Patricia Bowen.

Consultant: Cécilia Humphreys, architect.