Because of upturned floors, forklifts and dangling wires, the congregation has been meeting in the cafeteria-like fellowship hall.
The mess was part of a $700,000 renovation project that started in February.
“The goal was to update the church,” said the Rev. Dr. Thomas Allen, senior pastor. “The air conditioning unit was replaced. We’d had the same one since 1965.”
The church also needed more space to accommodate its contemporary praise band.
“The band needed room at the front of the church,” Allen said. “The repositioning of the choir loft did that.”
The second-story choir loft was relocated to the ground floor of the church. There are about 10 rows of new chairs for the choir to use in the right corner of the sanctuary.
An audio booth with new equipment was also added. It sits behind the pews.
“We wanted our sound and lighting systems to be updated for our contemporary services,” Allen said. “That’s also why we got the overhead screens.”
There are two 9-foot by 12-foot screens, one at the front of the church, the other at the back.
“They get pulled up when we’re not using them,” Allen said. “That way the church keeps a traditional look for traditional services and weddings.”
Two moveable partitions that match the church’s décor serve to hide the praise band’s equipment during traditional services.
The front foyer of the church was also expanded.
“Now we have a cry room,” Allen said, naming ways the church can take advantage of the new space.
“Or we can use it as overflow space,” said Naomi Ingrim, pastoral assistant.
Allen nodded his head.
“Speakers were installed too,” Allen said, pointing above his head to the foyer’s ceiling. “If someone has to step out of the sanctuary into the foyer, then they will still be able to hear the service.”
Even though the dedication ceremony of the new sanctuary is tonight, not all of the renovation is complete.
The pulpit and the communion table are not yet ready for service.
“That’s still being worked on,” Allen said. “They should be ready in September.”
-- With questions or comments, email tlunsford@temple-telegram.com
