Sanctuary Renovation
First United Methodist Church of Torrance
2010—2020 Sanctuary Renovation Project:
"Building upon the Foundation" 1 Cor 3:10-11
Mission Statement: "We are a diverse and caring community sharing the promise of life with Christ, passing the faith to the next generation."
Our commitment: With our mission statement in mind, it is our responsibility as good stewards to build upon the foundation that our predecessors laid, and for us to continue their commitment for the benefit of future generations of the First United Methodist Church of Torrance.
Our heritage: We give thanks to God for 86 years of mission and ministry at the First United Methodist Church of Torrance. Our ancestors' vision, commitment, and sacrifice resulted in: the construction of the first sanctuary in 1922, the education building in 1954, the present sanctuary in 1961, remodeled classrooms and offices in 1990 and a renovated social hall in 2004. To give homage to our past is to build upon the foundation for our future generation, uniting us in one vision, one heart, and one spirit.
Our vision: To further enhance our ability to pass the faith to the next generation, we must respond to changing times. Our vision is to modernize our sanctuary in order to create a more inviting and welcoming space. By moving the choir and organ into the chancel, not only do we address issues of accessibility and safety, but we also create more warmth and intimacy in community during worship.
The project: Three years ago, the former Facilities Refurbishment Committee completed the project's early phases: defining the requirements, estimating the cost, setting the scope, and drawing up the initial plan. In 2007, the Building Committee was established to execute the plan through its major phases: design, funding, and construction. We are entering into an exciting and challenging funding campaign to raise at least $1.1 million over a five-year period to renovate our sanctuary. The project plan focuses on three major areas of renovation: chancel, nave, and narthex. Project update: After working with the city to establish the final plans, the city is requiring us to upgrade the women's restroom to ADA requirements, and to change the slope of the ramp. When the preliminary bids were in, the new estimate rose from the original $1.1M to $1.38M, A church conference held on August 9, 2009 voted to proceed with the $1.38 million project.
- Chancel (Altar and Platform Area): The chancel is where attention is mainly focused in worship. The goal for the renovated chancel is to have a reconfigured platform accenting the liturgical placement of the font, the altar, and the Bible, while also allowing for a movable pulpit. The organ chambers and organ console will be relocated to the front, and space will be carved out for seating 35-member choir. The plan will also include an area for the piano and a contemporary praise band and their instruments. The new arrangements will allow the congregation to experience full dynamic musical leadership from the front of the sanctuary.
- Nave (Seating): The nave is the seating area of the worshipping community. Lighting will be improved to create a more open feel in the sanctuary. The first four rows of pews will be replaced by individual soft chairs; giving us more flexible seating for different worship settings. A multimedia control booth will be placed in a strategic location towards the back of the sanctuary. New multimedia and sound equipment will further enhance the sensory experience of worship.
- Narthex (Lobby): The narthex is the place of entry, where we receive people from the outside world. We hope to reconfigure the narthex to eliminate the unused chapel space, giving room for a more welcoming lobby. The electrical panel will be relocated and upgraded to support the new equipment and to meet safety and code requirements. The wall separating the sanctuary and the narthex will be converted into a see-through wall, allowing the narthex to double as a crying room. Seating will be provided for parents and their babies.
In faith and with thankful hearts, we embark upon this ambitious project. We invite everyone's participation and contributions as we give all glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.