The elevators weren’t working yet, but the air conditioning was on as a large group of Christ Episcopal Church members took a preview tour of their soon-to-be-completed parish center recently.
"Your new home is about 10 weeks from full completion," said Gabe Bove, a member of the committee overseeing work on the $12 million-plus project, "and it’s on budget."
Bove described the center as meeting the committee’s objective to be "residential in scale and size," surrounded by "lots of courtyard spaces" with a welcoming "front porch feel to the building."
Church members walked through the first-floor dining area, flanked by a 1,200-square-foot commercial kitchen and a multi-purpose area that can be divided into smaller rooms or opened up into the dining area for large functions.
On the second floor, they toured the new 300-seat worship space, featuring state-of-the-art sound and video systems, as well as additional flexible areas that can be divided with moveable walls.
"We can’t wait until we have our church in here," said Vanessa and Sophia Bruno, 6 and 8, after seeing the space where the church’s contemporary service, one of seven services every weekend, will be held.
Members also looked forward to the increased space for meetings, fellowship and events. The new building replaces a 26-year-old parish hall that was about one-third the size of the new structure.
Tom Vickery noted that, "sometimes, there was just no space in the old building" to host a growing number of community groups such as scout troops, AA meetings or other organizations.
Speaking for those who had worked in the church’s old kitchen, Toni Hartmann said "this is space we’ve wanted and needed for years, and now we can enjoy it."
Susan Ormond found it "beautiful but practical." She liked the plans to install easy-to-replace carpet squares in the dining area.
Mindy Lytle said she, her husband and three children were anticipating "all the fun and fellowship that will take place here."
"I think the church will love it and the community will, too," said Mayes Barnett.
