Building Project

The present church facility has been used by the church and WRCS for 50 years.  A major issue that has been the subject of many exploratory teams over the past 25 years has been improving the handicap accessibility of our church facility.  In addition, as one might expect, with time and use come wear and tear.  Our facility has deteriorated and is in need of significant repair and remodeling.  Our roofs leak, our heating and cooling system needs upgrades, our hallways are small, our entry foyer is small and not handicap accessible, our fellowship hall space needs upgrades, our bathrooms, kitchen and classrooms need upgrading, our plumbing and electrical systems  need upgrades.    We want to create a facility that is warm, welcoming, and fully handicap accessible so that we can minister to the needs of our church, WRCS, and broader community.

Over the course of the last 50 years three roofs have been put on the flat roof portion of the facility and according to a city inspector, it is no longer possible to simply go over the existing flat roof with another flat roof layer. The leaks have also resulted in mold and significant wall and ceiling staining. The leaks are unpredictable and routine. Architects and contractors have said that to remove the three existing layers of roof, add a new flat roof, upgrade the hvac system and treat the mold will be a significant cost ($1M+) and yet would not address handicap accessibility, nor address the issues of an aging facility infrastructure. The approved plan will demolish and rebuild the spaces under the flat roof with modern, energy efficient materials, a new roofing system, a new covered entrance and foyer space on the front of the church with vastly improved handicap accessibility. All of this with the preservation of the church sanctuary. The estimated cost of $2.1M is a conservative estimate (and on the “high” side). From the perspective of the church it reflects good stewardship to proceed in the direction of demolishing and rebuilding the education wing and fellowship hall and the additional expense now (spending $2.1M vs. $1M) will reap benefits for the next 50 years of WRMC.

The remodeling aspect of the project would include a new covered drop off at the front of the church and new handicap accessible doors and ramps which would make the entire facility fully handicap accessible.  The Sanctuary itself would remain largely untouched, other than upgrading a fussy sound system, new flooring and lighting, and a new entrance that will be handicap accessible.  The offices, library, coat room, mother’s room, and the classroom space behind the pulpit would also all be remodeled.

The remodeling plan, as approved by the congregation, is with Mr. Bill Black (architect) for detailed floor plan drawings and elevation drawings. These will be presented and discussed extensively by the Building Committee with Congregational input prior to proceeding with full design drawings.

All funds donated will be used to fund the $2.1M renovation project.  We must raise 90% of the funds prior to proceeding with the project.

The fundraising totals will be updated and provided in the weekly church bulletin.  In addition, a “link” on the church website will be created to post information on the renovation project and updates to fund raising.  The overall project status will be communicated similarly.

As set forth in the congregational vote, we have until January 2018 to raise 90% of the construction funds.  If this goal is not met, the Committee’s would need to meet with the Congregation and Church Counsel to discuss the plan forward.

The Building Committee includes:  Cheri Shenk (Chair), Mel Shenk, Susan Dey, Theresa Siebels, Darryl Schrock, Leanna Schrock, and Steve Ziegler.  The Fundraising Committee includes:  Rich Siebels (Chair), Ted Yoder, Lisa Ziegler, Martha Young, Jan Dennis, and John Dey.