Construction is underway on a $1.2 million expansion of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Weston.
When work finishes in November, the sanctuary will be 3,400 square feet, more than triple what it is now, allowing the church to accommodate about 100 more members.
"We went through some fits and starts, but it's finally happening," said Pastor Tim Hartner, who has been with the church since 1990. " It allows for more people to worship. We also wanted to enhance the inside of our sanctuary to make it more dramatic, beautiful and include some traditional features, like stained glass windows, a more prominent chancel, chancel cross, altar area and communion rail for people to kneel."
The project has been planned for about a decade. Leaders had to raise money, finalize plans and go through the permitting process.
"We had great collaboration and support from the city of Weston and our commissioners. The day that we received our permit was a very happy day for me," said Colleen Smith McDoom, chairwoman of the church's building committee and a 22-year parishioner. "We formed an exploratory building committee a few years ago, and it was a surreal experience the day we broke ground. I am really looking forward to the completion of the project and worshiping in the new sanctuary."
The last service in the old space was in February. Once the 11 a.m. service concluded, people began clearing out the room. A demolition crew showed up the next week.
Three of the walls were left standing and half the roof. Another wall was knocked down with the changes to the ceiling configuration and roof design. Hartner said they like the architectural plan and the fact that the pews aren't permanent, allowing for flexibility in how the space is used. Until the facility is finished, services are being staged outdoors.
"Thank God for nice weather," Hartner said. "The last six weeks, Sunday mornings have been beautiful. We are very fortunate to have a nice covered walkway and a portable chancel on wheels. We put an altar on that. Every Sunday morning, that's where I preach, lead and preside. We have a canopy to keep the sun off. It's worked out really well."
Smith McDoom is excited about the project, as well as future plans to add a kitchen, bathrooms, fellowship space and storage.
"We have received tremendous support from the congregation and have an opportunity to expand space to further the missions and ministries at St. Paul," she said. "While the specifics aren't final, we anticipate the plans will allow us to expand our ability to share the gospel's good news."
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Church serving a growing community
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