The first project we will need to complete is a new heating system for the chapel. Wendel Architects will
recommend an effective, affordable option for the type of system they feel will work best. Then the Facilities Team will review our options and make a recommendation to the BOT which will then decide on which option we will present to the congregation at a special meeting to authorize spending the necessary funds.

The Facilities Team met with the Finance Committee recently and there was agreement on how we need to proceed in funding the project. We will be asking the congregation for funds for this project, but it was agreed that the state of the boiler that heats the chapel (this is the one with the metallic paste patching a hole in the metal side of it) means we cannot wait to raise all the money for the project. We want to have a new system in place by October 1st of this year and avoid the possibility of an unheated chapel.

Affordability is important and there may be options that are desirable but beyond our means. In the meeting with Wendel the geothermal option was discussed. Their experience with recent projects involving geothermal led them to inform us that it is not a viable option for us. They stated that it’s a better option for new building projects than retrofits. This is especially true given the complications of our four buildings in one campus and the fact that we sit on solid bedrock. It would cost us nearly $3 million for such a system. Therefore, we can’t consider geothermal unless we are gifted all of the money for it as we have many other needs as well. For example, a recent visitor to our campus remarked on the bad shape of the slate roof on the mansion. For someone who has not been to our campus before who is not an architect, engineer or similar to notice this gives you an idea of some of our facility’s needs.

This year’s picnic will be Sunday, June 9th after the service and on Saturday evening, November 9th, we are planning our 70th Anniversary Celebration so please save those dates.