2007 Annual Report

‘To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ’
– Ephesians 4:12
‘We will preserve, prepare, and build the whole church in its ministry’
–excerpt from Committee Mission Statement

Committee: Beth Bowlby, Dave Costain, Lester Erich, Ray Ferreira, Betsy Kamienowski, Rev. Louis Kilgore, Tom Rodgers, Carol Wilson, Church Advocate Al Donato

Born out of 3 years of Needs Feasibility assessment, another 3 years of preparation and planning, the vision of the Pastor, and the commission of Session, this year wrought visible signs of the amazing work of the committee. Substantial plaster repairs uncovered serious flaws previously undetected; now remedied and painted beautifully. Large gaps in smoke, fire, safety and electrical systems were uncovered and addressed - especially in the basement where our Youth gather and women and children of the FISH Hospitality Network sleep. Building code and energy efficiency upgrades were implemented to preserve the structure and protect the budget. Years of accumulated clutter were removed to reclaim over 950 square feet that was immediately employed in a variety of ministries. Areas minimally maintained on a status quo were cleared out, cleaned up, and lit. The $ 28,399 grant applied for in 2005 to offset the cost of development of the Historical Preservation Plan was received from the New Jersey Historic Trust in January 2008. The Preservation Plan details not only the architecture of the church and it’s relevance as a registered historical site, but also the history of the Bound Brook community, the changes in the style of worship and Sunday School that influenced the physical design that this building project sought to recapture and employ in ministry to current and future generations.

Sanctuary: Hardwood floors and stairs were stripped, patched, sanded, and refinished. Pews were cleaned, repaired, and repositioned for better traffic flow. New pew cushions, plaster and paint were illuminated by re-wiring restored historic pendant fixtures, new fixtures that shed more light, improved lamp positioning, and a state-of-the-art dimmer control system. The chancel and choir platform was rebuilt to recapture the essence of the 1897 design with modern building codes and music program considerations in mind. Upgrades to the organ and pipes labored throughout the year and are slated for completion 1Q08. Similarly, work begun in 2007 for the new Media Control Room and sound system is to be completed by March 2008. Beautiful new folding doors bring modern convenience with light and historical reference. The 3 foyers to the sanctuary were all restored; the Bell Tower and the former ‘chapel’ restoration done almost entirely by volunteers Jack Guild, John Almendinger, Luis Valez as well as Pastor Kilgore. The church bell is being rung again. New thermal glass doors very literally open the church’s ministry to the community.

Reception and Foyers: Light flows through new arched glass windows and doors. Lovely and practical tile lines foyers and the ADA bathroom. Beautiful lighting and fresh paint accents all foyer entrances. There is room for wheelchairs and strollers in entries and the sanctuary. The kitchen was moved into Reception and provides access as well as community without isolation, beautifully melding contemporary needs with historical surroundings. Investment was made into energy efficient appliances and lights. Opportunity awaits mission-conscious investment in Kabul Carpet Project rugs. New banquet chairs purchased from Flood Relief Reimbursement funds add to the versatility of the room. Furniture held in storage will be brought back once all construction is done. The D’Angleo Memorial bookcases, moved to the choir room, are beautifully displayed and well employed for music ministry use. Temporary plywood countertops donated by GC Gregg Pulsinelli will be replaced by permanent countertops in February 2008, when the dishwasher, ice maker, and cooktop will all be connected and the kitchen will be fully operational.

CAVE: Teens were heard to exclaim “I’m going to move in here!” upon seeing the new Youth Center; bringing closer the dream to expand youth outreach ministry. Upgrades to lighting, flooring, ceilings, and storage areas provide the foundation for growth. Both stairwells into the basement level are equipped with railings for the not-so-young. Accessories like wide-screen TV, Wii, cable TV hook-ups, WiFi access and cool games and appliances invite opportunities for ministry and versatile use of the space. Completed were the Youth Kitchen, Internet workstation, and Youth Theatre. The volunteered craftsmanship of Al Donato will be appreciated for many years. The youth bar, lounge, and office will be completed in 2008. Materials for these projects were salvaged from building project demolition and excess materials ordered and paid for as part of Phase 1 and Phase 2 contract jobs.

2nd Floor: The Finance office was moved to the 2nd floor office, providing improved security and a window! The Music Director’s office was moved into the office in the choir room after remodeling provided storage and improved surroundings for lessons and practices. The ‘Session Room’ was painted and cleaned, new windows were installed for safety and energy savings. The chairs and carpet were thoroughly cleaned and newly donated storage cabinets house communion articles beautifully. The ceiling above the back entry stairwell was repaired using salvaged, historical wood and received fresh paint on walls and stairs along with a new light fixture. The choir stairwell was cleaned up and painted and the stairs were refinished. The Steinway piano will be restored and moved into the sanctuary after the organ upgrade and re-installation is completed.

The Building Project budget established through pledges was $735,000; based on 2005 and 2006 cost estimates. The committee worked extremely hard throughout this year to manage 2007 pricing increases with unexpected deficiencies in 1.) Building structure, 2.) Electrical and fire systems, 3.) Construction document detail gaps, and 4.) Church maintenance performed as contract additions. Added to these deficits were the added costs of a.) Unfunded projects like Bell Tower restoration, remodeled choir director’s office and re-opening the back foyer stairwell and b.) Additional construction costs resulting from the housing of flood victims. These factors raised the overall total building project costs by approximately $ 70,670. New pledges and additional pledges from members ($16,379) offset some of these costs. The total costs charged to the building project will total $919,377. This leaves a total project over-run projection of $ 167,998. Session will consider how to retire this debt in 2008.

We acknowledge with grateful hearts the financial support of members and friends that have made these renovations possible. Committee work will continue in 2008 to establish maintenance schedules to protect the investments made by this project. Memorials and plaques of appreciation will be made and dedicated in the coming year and this committee can be de-commissioned by Session.

Almost a hundred volunteers worked with us throughout this last year. They offered their time, talents and materials to move this project forward – the names are too many to list but you know who you are and we do too. Thank you!

Particular thanks are also due to the church leadership and staff; especially Martha Costain – for endless reminders for announcements and continued patience and support with contractors and working conditions; Ted Settle - for his unfailing willingness and extraordinary talent in photo documenting this segment of the church's history; Stan Lange and Linda Bullock – for dedication to continued service and frequent calls for checks and accounting reports, and Rev. Linda Owens and Tom Rodgers for their willing input and thoughtfulness to the project and continuing their service in spite of uncomfortable and filthy working conditions. Respect and high regards accompany the gratitude to Pastor Louis Kilgore for his vision, talents and dedication to ministry that opened new light into the congregation and the building and grounds. His ministry joins the very woodwork of this church along with his many predecessors.