On Finishing the Building Project
A Letter to the Vestry from Jane Herr and Pamela Smith, November 2011
Beloved friends,
Two years ago next month, the Building Committee made its final report to the Vestry and concluded its business. At that time several building-related projects were delegated to specific task groups in the parish, the idea being that these groups would have a better idea of their needs and could get themselves settled in to their new space without the Building Committee’s involvement. Also – two years ago – it was unclear what capital funds would become available to realize the projects.
Some of these projects have been realized. The kitchen is a roaring success. The library books are beautifully organized and catalogued. The music closet is a delight. The gardens are breathtaking. The sacristy is amazing.
Other projects have stalled or never been started. On the back of this page, we’ve listed the ones of which we are aware – you may know of others. We have to admit that we are a little disheartened by the visions that Saint David’s hasn’t been able to make real.
Why have these projects stalled? Well – as individuals and as a group, we do have other things to do with our energy. Also – and maybe more significantly – as an organization, we don’t have much experience addressing these kinds of questions and we don’t have much experience spending money on Saint David’s, as opposed to giving money away.
What would help Saint David’s realize these projects? At some point the Vestry tried to hand some of them off to the Furnishings Committee, but possibly that wasn’t realistic in terms of the amount and diversity of work involved. The number of loose ends is daunting. We think it’s important to notice that the projects that have been accomplished were managed by small groups with the needed knowledge and skills and working to complete one project, as opposed to an uber-group assigned to smooth out the Rocky Mountains and fill in the Grand Canyon.
We’d like to suggest that the Vestry consider this approach:
1. Make a complete list of unrealized projects.
2. Organize and prioritize the list.
What easy projects could be taken care of quickly?
What projects are high-priority?
What projects aren’t important for Saint David’s at this time?
3. Identify who has the knowledge and skills to accomplish these.
4. Invite and convene groups of these people to get started.
This may mean hiring someone someone outside the parish
to do some of them. Not everything is a DIY project.
5. Establish ways for these groups to liaise with and be resourced by the Vestry.
We honestly don’t think we are writing to you out of a Martha-Stewart-like desire to have Saint David’s be more spiffy. From the get-go, the people of Saint David’s have articulated the building project to ourselves as constructing a platform for mission. It’s because of that mission imperative that we write to request that the Vestry consider finding ways to realize these projects.
Jane Herr and Pamela Smith
Unrealized projects –
Build the new kneelers and lectern/pulpit
Locate, prepare and install the History Wall, with photos and documents giving a visual statement of identity and warmth in the Gathering Place
Arrange for building and installing bookcases and a desk on the west wall of the reading room/library, find comfortable chairs, and create a delightful, warm place for study groups, small meetings, or retreats
Pull-out storage carts in the cabinetry under the coffee bar, so there is effective storage for Children’s Church, ushers, knitters, and whoever else uses the space
Sound mitigation banners to add color and warmth to the Gathering Place
Signage at the entrance doors with service times
Interior shelving for worship gear in the south storage closet in the nave
Fact-finding about possible organ improvements
Meditation path through the woods / wetland development
Stone wall columbarium
Outdoor cross (replacing our original outdoor cross)
Further items added at Vestry meeting
Parking lot lights
Signage for Ackerman Hall
Sound system improvements
Resolve piano dilemma
