In 2001 the "Nave Committee" was established to recommend renovations to the nave of the church. The committee soon realized that the work needed in the nave was connected with improvements needed elsewhere in the building, so the committee's mandate was expanded and the committee renamed the Architectural Renewal Committee (ARC). In 2005, Phase I of our renovation plan created new and improved space for The Well and upgraded the electrical system throughout the church. In 2006, Phase II gave us a newly-restored Parish Hall, and new space for the Community Shop.
The final phase of the committee's work remains its original task: the renovation of the nave. To this end, ARC entered into a conversation with Gerald Robinson, a well-known and highly respected liturgical designer from Toronto. Gerald visited the parish, worshipped with us, and analyzed our parish community and our building to determine the ministry models which most suitably described them.
Gerald then created a proposal for the renovation of the worship space. He presented his vision to the parish on Sunday, May 25. (To download his complete presentation, click here.) Over the coming months we will have the opportunity to discuss his ideas and to contemplate whether his vision is one which inspires us and reflects our values and aspirations.
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Gerald Robinson is a graduate of Harvard University (Architecture) and Leeds University. His professional career as an architect in Toronto included such projects as The Colonnade (Bloor Street West), Grace Children's Hospital (Haiti), Trinity Square (Eaton Centre), the Church of St George the Martyr, and numerous other churches and large-scale residential projects. He has received several prizes and awards, most notably the Order of daVinci Award, a lifetime achievement award of the Ontario Association of Architects in 2000. Gerald is currently Adjunct Professor of Theology in the Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College, University of Toronto, where he teaches liturgical design and the shaping of sacred space.
On 25 May, liturgical designer Gerald Robinson shared with us a possible vision for nave renovations at St John's. A model of his design is available for all to see in the south transept, beside the ramp entrance. Copies of his written report are also available there. The Architectural Renewal Committee (ARC) would like to know your thoughts and feelings about Gerald's ideas. Paper for written comments is available in the transept; you may also send your comments by e-mail to office@stjohnsottawa, or by regular mail to the parish office. Over the summer months, ARC will be gathering information about the feasibility and cost of various aspects of this idea. Discussion will continue in a more formalized way in the fall after our new rector is with us.
