A Short History of Our Project

Approximately ten years ago, a group of parishioners began developing a long-term plan for our ministries, facilities and campus. We recognized that some of our facilities were approaching the end of their practical life and would require major renovation, maintenance or replacement. We also recognized that our music and education ministries did not have adequate space to meet, practice or perform.    

In 2003 the Vestry approved a strategic plan that would start to resolve these ministry space limitations and facilities maintenance needs. We began a major parish capital project that would provide a new music center while renovating and expanding an aging Hutton Hall. The Music Center was constructed and Hutton Hall was renovated and expanded (kitchen replaced, restrooms updated and fire sprinklers added).  In addition, a new bookstore and coffee lounge were provided.     

As part of our parish capital project, we hoped to raise $500,000 to establish a parish maintenance reserve fund which would be available to address future problems with our aging facilities. While we came a little short of our initial goal, we did raise $250,000 for this critical maintenance work. The need for this fund became evident in 2003, when the chiller and condensing elements of our air conditioning system failed, requiring emergency repairs and provision of temporary air conditioning service until repairs were completed.Following this unfortunate experience, we began a thorough evaluation of our 45 year-old sanctuary. This process took a little longer than planned because of the sanctuary’s complexity and the proximity to our administrative offices. In late 2007, we developed a plan to resolve identified needs and provide renovations to equip St. Barnabas for the future.Our sanctuary evaluation revealed the following major challenges:

• Organ - Our wonderful but 45 year-old organ was more difficult to keep in tune and pipe failures were becoming more frequent. Organ repairs approaching $400,000 were recommended.  Upon learning of this recommendation, Mary Dell Pritzlaff, whose family paid for the organ installation and its annual repairs, suggested that the old organ be replaced.  She very generously offered to pay for a new ‘state of the art’ organ in memory of her late husband John. Designing, building and installing a new organ is about a three-year process so we began planning with the Cassavant Freres Organ Company to provide this wonderful organ gift.

• Choir and Organ Placement - During the sanctuary acoustical study, we learned that the existing organ installation and choir placement create problems for the sound to effectively reach our congregation in the pews. The recommendation was to center both the organ pipes and the choir. To accomplish this centering, our sanctuary’s east wall would need to be extended approximately 20 feet to allow for the additional space required.

• Tapestry - We have also had concerns for several years that our beautiful sanctuary tapestry was failing.  As a result we have begun exploring alternative design solutions to replace the tapestry.

• Mechanical System - Our next focus was our 45 year-old mechanical system (air conditioning and heating).  In his evaluation of the sanctuary, the acoustician had identified a low level mechanical noise from this system which was being transmitted to the sanctuary.  This noise, long noted by parishioners, interferes with the transmission of our organ, choir and spoken word presentations.    The engineering assessment was that our air handlers needed replacement and our chiller equipment needed to be moved further from the sanctuary so that sound baffling equipment could be installed. Our mechanical system also lacks a thermostatic control (only an on/off switch) which means it is impossible to control temperature levels which leads to energy inefficiency, parishioner discomfort, and organ tuning problems. To solve these problems replacement of the air handlers, installation of thermostatic controls and moving the air handlers and chiller equipment was recommended.  To accomplish this, the mechanical room would need to be extended 20 feet to the south.

• Building Code Requirements - The expansion of our sanctuary and mechanical room areas means that the Town of Paradise Valley will require us to bring our sanctuary and mechanical building up to current code standards. This means installation of a fire sprinkler system (as was required in Hutton Hall) and installation of two new fire exits.  In addition, the two existing hallway doors must be upgraded to fire rated exits.  Based on a review of original construction plans, we believe the fire sprinkler installation will require removal of our existing built-up roof (not our ceiling) so that water pipes and sprinkler heads may be installed. After this installation, a new built-up roof will be installed and will hopefully eliminate our annual roof leak problems.

• Electrical System - Removal of the roof will also allow us to bring our electrical, wiring and breaker controls up to code (a town requirement). With a new electrical system we will be able to upgrade our lighting fixtures with more efficient ones. We also intend to improve the lighting over the altar area and provide for a central lighting control and dimming capability for the entire sanctuary.

• Painting - While performing the previously mentioned work, we also plan to repaint the sanctuary interior which has not been done since the original construction.

• Pews and Floor - If you have not noticed, our sanctuary pews are also original equipment that are in need of being refurbished and refinished. This will require removing all of the pews for refinishing while the other work is being done. The pulpit, lectern, and communion railing also need refinishing. While the pew work is being done, we plan to replace our worn carpeting and resurface the sanctuary floor.

• Audio/Video System - We also plan to replace speaker elements of our spoken word sound system.  We are assured this will significantly improve the acoustics for our parishioners. As part of this installation, we will also install video equipment that will allow recording of choir performances, sermons or other special events such as baptisms and weddings.

• Endowment - As with our last campaign, we are aware of the need to grow our endowment in order to keep up with the maintenance needs of our campus. We are committed to using funds received above the needs of this project to build an endowment specifically targeted to maintenance of our beautiful campus buildings.  

The approximate time required to complete these improvements and the organ installation is anticipated to be 7-10 months. Because of the nature of this work, our sanctuary will not be usable during this time. While we are still in the initial planning stage, we are hopeful that we will have the financial support to allow this work to be done during spring to early fall of 2010.

Letter of Intent

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q  What is the overall scope of the renovations to our Sanctuary?

     A  This project also includes a rework of the choir space, replacement of our beloved but falling-down tapestry, refurbishment of the pews, new flooring, acoustical and electrical enhancements, thermostatic control, and deferred maintenance. These changes will address the inconsistent temperature in the Sanctuary, eliminate the rumbling sounds coming from the chiller, redo the duct work underneath the choir area, and reposition the choir to a more efficient configuration. This renovation will also bring our Sanctuary up to the Town of PV Code with our new sprinkler system, electrical revisions, and size and placement of fire doors. This is the first major work in the Sanctuary since it was built in 1961.

Q  These are difficult financial times. Why are we pursuing a Capital Campaign now?

A  Development of this plan began in late 2007.  The Vestry voted to sign a contract with Casavant in spring 2008, months before our current financial situation emerged.  Also, we want to avoid competition with other capital campaigns that will start after our current conditions improve, and we want to take advantage of potential reduced costs for materials and construction.  Indeed, the latter may prove to be a great advantage to St. Barnabas.   

Q  Will this budget provide for future church maintenance?

A  Maintaining all the buildings and grounds on the campus of St. Barnabas is a constant challenge.  Our hot, dry climate and the constant use take their toll on our buildings.  The age and historic nature of our Sanctuary dictate a higher degree of care on our part.  This year the Vestry along with the Building & Grounds Committee have begun putting together a projected strategic maintenance plan so that the more expensive items, such as air conditioning and roof repairs can be planned more efficiently.  

Q  What happens if we fall short of the amount we are intending to raise?

A  Completing the necessary repairs to preserve and restore our church is our top priority.  If funds are not available to address every need, the present thinking is that our Vestry with guidance from the Finance Committee will determine our next course of action.  These decisions will be made clearer as the Campaign proceeds.

Q  What happens if we exceed the amount we are intending to raise?

A  Provided our estimates are reasonably accurate and members of our parish keep up with their stewardship pledges, any additional funds would be used for other church needs as determined by the Vestry.  We have significant need to build an endowment reserve for maintenance.  All decisions will be made by the Vestry.    

Q  When will we be asked to make our commitment to the Campaign?

A  At the meetings everyone will be given a Letter-of-Intent that will extend from 2009 until 2011. A prompt response is greatly appreciated so that the Vestry can have an accurate gauge of how to proceed with the repairs.  It is certainly understandable that in this present day financial climate there will be generous parishioners who wish to extend this pledge time.  That is perfectly acceptable and would be a good alternative to feeling undue stress during this challenging time.  Your Vestry members, clergy and advance donors have already made their pledges during the preliminary time before the all parish Campaign began.

Q  Is each individual gift really necessary?

A  It is our fervent desire that as many parishioners as possible will join together in the support and upkeep of our parish.  We each get so much from the positive spiritual nourishment of our church community, and by sharing this commitment; we will reinforce our belief that “we are all ONE in Christ”!

Q  Where will we worship while the renovations are taking place?

A  We will be worshiping in the other worship spaces on our campus during the renovation of our Sanctuary.  We are looking forward to this adventure, and will embrace this change with joy and thankfulness that we have other buildings on our campus to continue our worship together.  Much of our time in Hutton Hall and the Music Center will be during the hotter times of the year when many of our parishioners are away.

Q  When will the renovation and revitalization of our Sanctuary be completed?

A  We are currently expecting the renovation to be complete by the fall of 2010.  That could be adjusted as needed, and you will be kept fully informed in our Monthly and Weekly Mockingbird Messenger.  In addition, the clergy and Vestry are happy to discuss any and all aspects of this entire project upon request.

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