A New Year, A New Beginning
by First Church
At the beginning of the new year we never know what may happen, but we do have some idea of what is planned. I’m looking forward to the new year because it’s going to bring a great deal of measurable change to our building and facilities. For the past three years, those of you who have been supporting the capital campaign, First for the Future, have been patiently waiting for signs of progress and improvement in the Mellin-Macnab Building. Behind the scenes and almost without being noticed, some significant changes have been underway. Not only have architectural plans been prepared for the renovation of the Mellin-Macnab Building, but important achievements have been reached.
Among the important accomplishments has been approval by the Landmarks Commission of the first phases of work on the interior and landscaping of the Twelfth Street Entrance. Completed work includes the new roof and playground area at the top of the building. This work, which had been planned for later in the project, was moved forward because of water infiltration, mold and mildew damage. With the purchase of new playground equipment by the Nursery School, the roof is renewed and usable again. New windows were installed throughout the building with the exception of the lobby, and teachers during the week and on Sundays already notice that the rooms are less drafty and it is no longer necessary to wear a sweater to keep warm on cold autumn days.
Next steps in the project will include the completion of sidewalk replacement, an element that was visible to all of our neighbors as well as our congregation throughout the early fall. This aspect of the project will be finished when a new water main is brought into the building on the Northwest side of the building to service the new sprinkler system. ConEdison and an electrical contractor have finished the installation of a new electrical delivery system and increased capacity to sustain the air conditioning and increased load of energy needed in the years ahead. Windows in the lobby will be replaced and a new glass vestibule and doors will be arriving soon thereafter. As winter approached, a new boiler and water circulating heating system was installed in the building, and soon there will be significant renovation to the lobby, lower level and parlor/library floors of the building. Offices will be moved to the South Wing during construction and eventually relocated to the lower level of the Mellin-Macnab Building.
As we look toward to the completion of these next phases of the project, an invitation will be offered to current donors to extend their support and new members will be invited to participate in the campaign to pay for these efforts. The total for renovations is $15,000,000, of which more than $10,000,000 was raised in 2008 through pledges and outright gifts. As the new year dawns, we will close the gap between the goal and the committed support and your help will be needed.
Stay tuned and please give thought and prayer to the role you can play in helping our congregation’s dreams come to reality. You’ll be hearing more very soon.
The Rev. Dr. Jon M. Walton
