Sanctuary and Media Project
In 1999, First Baptist Church discussed and approved a design for needed expansion of the platform in our sanctuary. Because of the costs involved at the time, the church voted to delay this project. When the current capital campaign began in 2005, the church realized that the organ console would need to be replaced within a few years. The budget we approved for the project at that time was $100,000. We also allocated $25,000 in the capital campaign for repairs to television equipment that were needed.
For two years, teams from the Long Range Planning Committee, Worship Council, Facilities Committee, and now the Deacons have worked together to address these
critical issues. We have solicited bids to address the urgent needs. Little did we know that both matters would require urgent attention. Since 2005, the organ has failed at one funeral, and we have changed broadcasts to the local Fox affiliate. The organ will require us to replace the organ console, releather the pipes, and expand the platform to fit the new console. The television arrangement with Fox necessitates new equipment be purchased so that we can have a quality live broadcast each week.
These groups voted in March to lock in the price on the organ console so that the price does not escalate any further and so the work can begin in order to have a new console by Christmas 2009. If we did not, the cost would have gone up another $50,000 and we would be waiting until 2010 to complete the work.
We do, however, want and need your input, permission, and approval at the Church’s next business meeting on April 30, 2008 to proceed with the total cost and scope of the project. This includes the design and expansion of the platform, technology upgrades, and the television and media equipment. The total budget for this project is $747,102.
Our plan will use all current capital campaign dollars for debt first. All money given to “Fulfilling the Promise” will first be used to retire the debt. Any excess money from pledges will be used for this project.
Please come to the business meeting on April 30, 2008, to hear the details of the
proposal, give us your input, and to make a significant decision in the life of this church. We have been working at this for almost 10 years, and we are close to completing the process. Please join us.
Goal: $747,102
PURPOSES
· Replace and Enhance Sanctuary Organ Console and Maintain the Pipes
· Expand Platform and Choir Loft to Accommodate the Choir, Console and Technology
· Provide Quality Live Broadcast and Media to Minister to the Community
Budget
· Organ, Platform, and Technology- $572,302
· Media, Cameras, and Equipment- $174,800
Timeline
· October 31, 2008- all gifts are due for Fulfilling the Promise
· November and December 2008- Celebrate God’s blessing and completion of debt
· Launch New Television Equipment- February 2009
· Install New Platform and Organ- Summer 2009
· Enjoy New Organ- Christmas 2009
Financial Plan
· All Fulfilling the Promise money will go to debt first.
· Manage cash flow. We have locked in a price on the organ from cash reserves so the cost will remain the same.
· Church votes April 30, 2008.
· Retire the debt October 31, 2008.
· Any funds received from pledges over the debt will go to the new project. Currently we have pledges in excess of $300,000 over the principal.
· Excess cash from 2008 Budget receipts go to the new project. We will encourage people to “give to the budget” in December 2008.
· In 2009, invite people to give over and above to the new project.