The Master Plan

A historic vote was taken on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at a congregational meeting of St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Facilities Master Plan Task Force in conjunction with Church Council presented Phase 1 of the St. Paul Facilities Master Plan for approval by the congregation. The results were phenomenal!!

Donn Bohde of Sauriol Bohde Wagner Architects and Associates, Inc. made a presentation of the St. Paul Facilities Master Plan. This was an update of the Master Plan that was given a vote of approval by the congregation in May 2010. This time Donn presented Phase 1a of the building program and the congregation was asked to approve the start of Architectural Drawings and Basic Services that will lead to a projected start of construction in May of 2012. A motion to begin Phase 1a construction program was made by Karen Tarter, a member of the Facilities Master Plan Task Force. The motion was seconded by Bill Malnar of the Board of Elders. The motion was approved with a YES vote of 92% of those present.

The first phase of the building program will begin by demolition of the current orange wing and the original church, which was constructed in 1948. The construction can then begin on a Fellowship Hall that will seat approximately 400 people with an elevated stage and kitchen. The Fellowship Hall will have the capability of being divided into eight separate class/meeting rooms. A lower level will provide additional classrooms/meeting rooms and a temporary Youth Room.

The Fellowship Hall will be separated from the current sanctuary by a wide narthex that will allow for ease of access and egress to both the Sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall. The new building will contain larger restrooms and two nurseries that will have restrooms and sinks contained within them along with a secure drop-off and pick up registration area. Plans also include a 'cafe' area where you can stop and have a cup of coffee or tea before or after church and spend time socializing with both your longtime or newfound friends.

It is anticipated that a three dimensional model of the new facilities will be available for review sometime in July of this year.

A total of 27,542 square feet will be constructed or modified in this first phase of construction. The cost of this first phase is currently estimated to be $2,734,505.

In addition to the start of architectural drawings, a Building Committee and a Financial Campaign Committee will be formed. Our hopes and prayers are to raise approximately $1,200,000 with our financial campaign over a three year period; which would be above normal tithes. This sounds like a daunting figure, but if you divide it over the 400 families in membership at St. Paul it comes down to less than $20 a week per family. That seems a lot easier to grasp than looking at the total sum.

May the Lord Bless you and continue to shine His light on His Church at St. Paul Trenton during this exciting time.

Michael T. Riley, PE
Chairman, St. Paul Facilities Master Plan Task Force