Lutheran Church of Madison

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BUILDING COMMITTEE

FORWARD IN FAITH WITH A NEW BEGINNING

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Over the years, our congregation had formed a vision of a church that attracts young families, has a strong Sunday School and a vibrant Nursery school, and is involved in the community. We had developed a vision of facilities that are attractive and inviting, a place that is roomy and comfortable, bright and uplifting. To this end, the organizational meeting of the “New Beginnings” Committee was held on June 14, 2004. From a group of 18 who initially expressed an interest, the Church Council appointed a committee of seven, chaired by Ralph Rotermund. Responsibilities were divided among the Committee members: budget/financing, exterior needs (parking, septic, landscaping), interior space planning/design, communications/PR, engineering/technical (heating/AC, lighting, plumbing) and music (new organ). The Committee was charged with establishing a specific list of priorities, achievable goals and a timeline for an action plan to renovate and expand our current church building.

A congregational survey determined that top priorities were an attractive worship space and modern bathrooms. After listening to presentations by architects and design-and-build firms, in mid-September, 2004, the Committee selected Madison architect Duo Dickinson to interpret our vision for a spectacular and inspirational worship space, a renovated education wing and office space, and new bathrooms and a new kitchen. During the next two months, the Committee worked with Duo to define the congregation’s needs and to determine possible space allocations.

On November 21, 2004, the preliminary design was presented to the Voters’ Assembly for their approval to move forward to the next step. During this meeting, Duo expressed his excitement about the project and the proposed new Sanctuary, which will increase our presence and visibility in Madison as “A Beacon on the Green.” He noted that our new addition would be the first Sanctuary built on a town green by any church along the Shoreline in at least 30 years.

Congregational approval was granted, thus allowing the Committee to move forward on refining the design details. After a lengthy five-month Town approval process, unanimous approval from all five committees was granted, reflecting the Town’s complete support for our mission.

The interior design and layout went through several modifications and refinements before a final working design satisfied the Committee. During this phase, our congregation was blessed to have the help of Edward Stanley Engineers from Guilford, who donated structural design services pro bono, as well as Duo Dickinson, who contributed much of the architectural design services pro bono. In May 2005, the Interior Design subcommittee started meeting to refine details of color selection, general lighting, flooring, and the kitchen design.

A successful fund-raising program in May and June of 2005 enabled the project to move forward. Waverly Builders of Branford, owned by Paul Torcellini, was selected in October 2005 to build the new Sanctuary and to renovate the existing facility. Final unanimous approval to move to the final phase was granted by the congregational Voters’ Assembly on November 13, 2005. The construction contract was signed and the building permit process was begun in January 2006.

The official Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on March 5, 2006, with a church service and a ceremonial turning-over of the earth by church officials; the architect; the builder; and Madison First Selectman, Tom Scarpati. Of special note, Ethel Schwenzer, one of the 13 Founding Members, was present; her son Conrad took a turn with the gold shovel on her behalf. Construction was begun in May 2006, the foundation was poured on June 16 and the timber framing for the new Sanctuary was erected on June 21. This impressive event was covered by WTNH-TV in New Haven and a local radio station, as well as the print media. A segment featuring this momentous occasion, with interviews of the architect, builder and long-time church members, was broadcast on the noon and 5 p.m. TV news.

We are now anxiously awaiting the completion of this long-awaited undertaking, with our expected occupancy date planned for Late February. From its conception and throughout this process, Pastor Volker Heide, with the Lord’s guidance and help, has shepherded his flock with faith-driven strength of purpose and with hope for a “New Beginnings” for our church. We look forward to the day when our vision will become a reality and the Lord’s plans for our future are fulfilled, creating a spiritual legacy for generations to come.