accommodate, and thereby embody the aspirations of this congregation. With
the passage of time, our concepts – or rather our understanding – changed.
We have widened our circle of friends as we seek the talent and expertise to
design and build that which has (as) yet occupied our minds and hearts. But it
is today we have worked for, because it is now that our striving fully meets the
tips of our hands – and the soil of the earth. So, we begin.”
As a member of the Facilities Committee for the past 15 years, I know
that we have had many ups and downs. But we were blessed early on with a
dedicated committee and continued support from the congregation. We were
then further blessed by a partnership with the architectural firm Beck, Powel
and Parson (BPP), who quickly sized up our hopes and worked with us to help
us achieve these concepts.
Mark Beck, senior architect and “comprehensive idea man” said at the
ground-breaking, “I love designing schools and churches.” He also said “(the)
forthcoming construction symbolized to me, a renewal, and a rebirth of these
supporting facilities to help you continue to grow this spiritual and caring
community.” This clearly illustrates how much Mark was in tune with the
committee.
Teamwork and trust were also themes echoed in many of the remarks.
Eric Beck of BPP thanked the congregation for their support, with special
thanks to the committee. He also thanked the contractor, Dave Sunday, “for
his solid efforts thus far in the project,” and said, “BPP really looks forward to
working with Dave for the rest of the project.”
Dave Sunday concurred that since the church selected Gardiner and
Gardiner as our contractor, “In those six months we (the committee, BPP &
G &G) have worked hard to gain additional value for the project,” which has
resulted in being able to air-condition the whole facility. And, he said, “We
established a working relationship and trust throughout this time.”
Another theme was community. David Radcliffe, Board Chairman,
noted when speaking of the soil being symbolically turned over, “Seeds grow
and produce fruit, just as our building project will bear fruit for our school,
our church, our community, and for the generations to come. So, with this new
beginning, we (continue to) build a church and school that will contribute to
the community and bear fruit for ourselves and our neighbors.”
Sasha Desrouleaux commented that the presence and health of our church
and school contributes to the community, our district and the county as a
whole, and pledged the county’s support to see the project through.
Pastor Gladish also referenced “the concept we call ‘the doctrine of use,’
which teaches us that we are not born for ourselves but for the happiness and
blessing we can offer each other. This construction is all about that service –
not just for our own members but for all in the community who will benefit
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