Our Turn - Capital Care Campaign
Our generation inherited a beautiful church. We benefit every day from the selfless giving, hard work, and faithfulness of those who came before us. Now, it’s OUR TURN to make sure the children in our midst, future generations, and all East Hampton can rely on these wonderful structures to be their church home, a source of community leadership, and a magnificent landmark for centuries to come. We rejoice that “nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).
What Work are we doing?
The current church was built in 1861 and underwent a major renovation a century later, when the front was remodeled and the entire structure got new shingles and a fresh coat of paint. In the intervening 60 years, our church has served us well. Children have grown, families nurtured, couples married, and loved ones departed for the Church Triumphant.
In the meantime, the building has received only modest attention: urgent repairs, routine maintenance, and the addition of an air conditioning system. As a result, the paint now needs to be refreshed, carpets replaced, and the pews reconditioned. Our magnificent church is on the path to a state of disrepair. Our Capital Care Campaign will not add new buildings or wings. It is simply to bring our facilities back up to the safe and beautiful condition they deserve.
PHASE I addressed urgent repairs, including rebuilding a rotting load-bearing column, replacing gutters and flashing, as well as rebuild the Memorial Garden. Phase I has been completed.
PHASE II is repairing the shingles, window frames, and other deteriorating exterior features of the sanctuary, session house, and manse. It also includes removing old existing paint, reconditioning the surfaces, and applying new oil based paint to all three buildings. Begun in September, 2021, Phase II is underway at this time.
IMAGES SHOWING SOME OF THE NEEDED WORK
PHASE III will restore the interior of the sanctuary to its intended beauty and safety. We will repair the plaster, paint the walls, ceilings, and trim, replace the carpets, and install new pew cushions. Phase III will be scheduled when we raise enough money to cover it. We’d like to start it in spring or summer, 2022.
How much will it cost?
The cost of the entire Capital Care Campaign is $540,000. Of that, the Session has already committed up to $340,000 from the church endowment, which is enough to cover PHASES I and II. We have to raise at least the remaining $200,000 before beginning PHASE III. Funds raised beyond this minimum will be used to refund the endowment investment.
What are my options for contributing?
We know that it’s important to have options. Everyone’s financial situation is different and our commitments are personal matters that only we can decide after reflection and prayer. Let us each purpose to give according to our means and our faith. One choice may be cash from income or savings. Another choice may be made by thinking creatively.