LAKE GROVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SANCTUARY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

TOWN HALL MEETING – AUGUST 6, 2006

9:30 a.m. – Church Library

SEP team members present:   Dave Hercher, Neil Cox, Richard Shavey, Pat Creighton, Barbara Mount, and Shirley Bankston. 

11 guests were present.   The following are suggestions from the whole group.

Lighting:  

• Replace the fixtures – can’t see the hymnals – can see OK

Sound:

• We have a top of the line sound system, but need a professional operator with knowledge of the equipment.
• Can hear Pastor Bob fine
• Softer speaking people need more amplification or should be better informed on how to speak.
• Consider a sound booth

Seating:

• Consider more space for handicap seating
• Flexible seating for better wheelchair access

• More flexible seating
1. I.e.    Half pews – half adjustable chair seating  (refer to St. Andrew’s remodeling project now underway)
2. CSA – Congregational seating assignment!

Chancel Area:

• Handrail for chancel steps for folks to hold onto while holding communion elements.
• Relocate organ to bell choir space.

Space overall:

• More open feeling – more light – more freewheeling – flexibility
• Bring up to date:  
• Lighten up
• Panel drop ceiling

• Like the natural low light.  Gives sense of calmness and peace.
• Love the high ceiling – gives a soaring sense
• Increase size of doors to the gathering area for easier in and out after services and access for wheelchairs
• Add glass.   Increase natural light.  
• Stained glass – replace and expand
• Walls:   lighten to pew color

1. No strong feelings
2. Like the dark walls
3. Like the ceiling as it is

• Pews:

1. Clean up pews
2. New cushions
3. Pews are too close together.
4. Purchase chairs with arm rests and cushions for back support.

• Choir:

1. Loft in back of sanctuary
2. Relocate organ pipes to access more seating for choir
3. Add choir seating in bell choir area

• Flooring:
1. Tiles ripped and torn
2. encapsulate and cover asbestos
3. wood floor throughout - from chancel to back of sanctuary
4. Consider removing flooring & some foundations to increase ductwork capacity for heat and air conditioning.
5. New carpeting for center and possibly side aisles

• Narthex:

1. Not large enough
2. Dress it up

• Don’t do anything to the Sanctuary
• Balance cost of renovation with mission work
• Keep it simple
• Improve lighting, redo flooring and sound system

Fellowship Hall:

• Need better sound system
• Need more cushioned chairs with arm rests.

• Pedestrian flow:  
• Form a subcommittee to study pedestrian flow into and out of the sanctuary.