Following the annual Congregational Meeting on February 4, 2007, Mr. Robert Winthrop, Architect, presented plans for renovations to the church building.  The process that led to these plans began nearly four years before with the selection by the congregation of a Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by Angela Ritchie.  At that time the congregation, working in independent, moderated sub-groups, developed a listing of priorities for changes.  Although a number of the desired changes pertained to the church's "program," the perceived need for changes to the physical facilities seemed to dominate the discussions.  Changes to improve (1) access to the building and (2) the restrooms were of the highest priority.  The Long Range Planning Committee met with Mr. Winthrop, an architect who has specialized in additions and renovations of many churches, including churches in our area.  His initial suggestions included an addition on the west side of the Education Building to house an elevator, bathrooms, and an enclosed stair.  Before consideration of the concept could proceed, the position of the church's property line had to be precisely determined to establish that sufficient space was available.  Plans continued to evolve, especially after a preliminary estimate by Nielsen Construction Company alerted the committee that the original plan was not affordable.  In several stages, Mr. Winthrop honed the plan until the estimated cost is between $250,000 and $450,000.  The plan presented to the congregation features a new, street-level entrance into a well-lit reception area in the basement under the Sanctuary.  Offices for the pastor and the administrative assistant will be in sight of that new entrance.  The stair case up to the Sanctuary level in the east tower will be re-configured.  The toilets in the basement will be completely modernized.  A clear passage way will connect the reception area to the present Fellowship Hall.  The elevator will be entered from the west side of the Fellowship Hall.  A unisex toilet will be on the first floor of the Education Building.  Another unisex toilet may be located in the second floor of the Education Building.  A fire escape will be attached to the west wall of the Education Building.  Before construction can begin, the congregation will vote and make special pledges to support the cost.

The failure of the boiler necessitated replacement of the heating system.  The new furnace will be part of a new hot water system, in place of the complex steam/hot water system.  Heat pumps will heat and cool the first and second floors of the Education Building.  Lowered ceilings will conceal the required air handling ducts.  Since the building must be heated, the work on renovating the heating system and the attendant work in the Education Building was approved directly by the session and will be paid for from the Building Fund.

Mission Trip!

In January 2007, a group from Broadway Presbyterian Church traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi, to help with the repair of damage caused Hurricane Katrina in 2005.