Program Statement for the Sanctuary Renovation Task Force The Program Statement is a document which attempts to articulate what worshippers can expect to experience or feel in a renovated sanctuary. It is NOT meant to describe exactly how things might look- that is up to an architect to interpret and reflect in a conceptual design. In total, the Statement is comprised of a number of parts or sections. From a historical perspective, it explains how our worship has evolved. It also suggests that some adjustments and enhancements to the space might better serve current and future styles of worship. The Emotional Quality Elements portion of the Statement is an effort to capture those feelings and emotions that we, as individuals and as a community of faith, long to experience as we gather in worship. And finally, the Factual Elements consider the general physical characteristics that a renovated space would reflect. The Session approved and adopted the Program in September, 2008.
PROGRAM STATEMENT In the summer of 1951, the Reverend Dr. Grier Davis preached the dedicatory sermon in the newly renovated sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Asheville. Dr. Davis’ sermon topic was “The Glory of This House.” And what a glorious house of God it was, and is today! The wooden arches, the amber glass chandeliers, the deep colors of the beautiful stained glass windows, the depth of the new chancel with its rose window, a modernized narthex, three aisles (instead of two) in the nave, a divided choir stall, and an elevated pulpit so that the minister could see, and be seen, by all gathered before him. That day, August 5, saw a magnificent celebration in a house of worship which perfectly represented, supported and encouraged the way the community of faithful at FPC Asheville knew to be right and true for them. And it was … for those wonderful servants, for that point in time, and for how worship was then celebrated. We honor that tradition and celebrate all those whose faithfulness, dedication and resources built upon the foundations of all who came before them, and then passed to our generations that which we hail today as our church home. Our Book of Order says the church is “called to be Christ’s faithful evangelist … even at the risk of losing its own life … and doing those deeds in the world that point beyond (itself) to the new reality in Christ.” Each generation is called to its own faithfulness and in being so called is challenged to express that faithfulness appropriate to its time, its own people, and its own culture. In other words, its own call. As we reflect on FPC Asheville circa 1951, and compare worship then to worship today, it becomes clearly evident our worship has changed and become richer, incorporating elements we are reclaiming from our historic roots. Our worship in the 21st century is more participatory and fluid. Its leaders include youth and children and adults. Our people approach the table to give and to receive the blessings of the feast at the Lord’s Table. Our worship is evolving as we are influenced by people of all ages and cultures. Our music involves the congregation throughout the services. Our children and youth bring the communion elements forward on the Sundays we celebrate the sacrament. Many of those same children join the ministers and elders at the font during baptisms. We process with banners and bells and flutes. Musicians move throughout our worship space giving their gifts to God on our behalf and, in so doing, enfold the congregation in their offering. Lay people offer prayers of thanksgiving and lead us in the one great prayer Christ himself taught disciples. We have discovered that our sanctuary does, in fact, influence the way we worship. As our worship evolves it is clear our space is somewhat limiting and needs to be enhanced to better accommodate the way worship is emerging. We should also, as best we can, anticipate how we can support the future generations of those who will worship in this place after us. And yet, we are mindful that the essential character of the room should be retained as it holds such profound meaning for so many people in their experience of God. An examination of our evolving worship style indicates that there is a need in the sanctuary for greater flexibility so that we can more adequately accommodate a variety of services. In this one room we hold traditional Sunday morning services, baptisms, communion, weddings, funerals and memorial services, theatrical and dance presentations, children’s presentations, services of sacred music, and more. Other services which could be offered given greater flexibility might include a literal gathering around the communion table to receive the Feast, a Taize’ service, healing services with laying on of hands, a baptism in the midst of the people instead of “up in front,” and others. Several limitations of the existing sanctuary impact the ability of worship to meet existing and future needs. Concerns that have been expressed by members of the congregation include poor lighting, limiting sight lines, poor acoustics, inability to incorporate movement within the worship service, lack of flexibility in set-up of chancel and nave to accommodate a variety of worship events and situations, difficulty in supporting some forms of music, and others. In examining our existing space we believe that it can more clearly emphasize those elements fundamental to our worship – table (communion), font (baptism), and Word (scripture and preaching). Additionally, since the most recent FPC Asheville facility expansion and modernization, members and guests alike approach, and eventually reach, the sanctuary from a variety of entry points. Often their trek continues through a maze of lobbies, stairs and intersecting corridors. We are constrained by an inadequate narthex and have a need for a centralized “Gathering Area” adjacent to the sanctuary. Prior to worship such an area would serve as a location for greeting and fellowship, thus allowing the act of entering the sanctuary as the true beginning of worship for each individual as each is ready. And after worship, this spot would be used again for fellowship and would accommodate displays of important information, or make available literature or other materials that are meaningful in the life of the church. As part of this overall process, we also acknowledge that any revision of the existing space will potentially involve remediation of unknown but existing conditions and updating the facility to meet currently binding building codes. Those in worship that Dr. Davis addressed fifty-seven years ago were justifiably proud of the new sanctuary they dedicated that day. It was purposefully designed, magnificently constructed, met their worship needs extremely well, and has served this congregation for nearly sixty years without a single significant modification. It met every requirement for their worship style at the time and has been a meaningful house of God for thousands since its completion. We are a full generation, even two, removed from those parishioners of the early nineteen fifties, however, and it is appropriate (some would say necessary) that we respond to our call for a place of worship that more fully embraces, facilitates and reflects the way we now come before the Almighty as a community of faith. EMOTIONAL QUALITY ELEMENTS
FACTUAL ELEMENTS Nave · Continue gothic form of structure (arch forms, columns, ceiling structure, floors, rose windows, stained glass windows, etc.) · Worship space for consideration includes the sanctuary (including transepts and balcony) and narthex · Minimum seating capacity of 400 standard seating, excluding musicians · Seating should be an appropriate style and arrangement given the nature of the room · Design should allow for the addition of supplemental seating · Lighting design should incorporate existing chandeliers. All bulbs are to be replaced with “Green”/Energy Efficient lighting via LED, CFL or other Chancel · Table, font and pulpit must be the most prominent points of worship · Table should be accessible to all and facilitate congregational gathering around. (The location of the Table might be different service to service, e.g. it may be positioned on the floor of the nave or in the chancel) · Font should of sufficient size and shape that it is easily recognizable from afar yet approachable for those coming to dedicate their lives, or the lives of their children, to God · Pulpit should accommodate the written and spoken word · Table, font and pulpit are to be movable · Design should include a visible cross and accommodate candle(s) and floral offerings · Design should include chairs for (four) worship leaders Music in its role of leading Worship: · The music program shall be located in the chancel · Moveable seating for at least 40 choir members seated together (no split seating) · Each choir member must be able to view the organist, and the organist must be able to view and direct the choir · The organ console is to be located in the chancel and should be no larger than the size of the existing console. Location and exposure of the organ pipes is an option to be determined in consultation with the organ builder. · A piano to support choral music will be located in the chancel. A grand piano to support congregational singing is also required and may be positioned in the chancel or on the floor of the nave/transept. · The chancel should be able to accommodate 5 – 7 instrumentalists, including seating and music stands. “Gathering Area” · Overall design should provide a “gathering area” adjacent to the sanctuary for people entering and leaving worship · Given that a high percentage of service attendees enter the building from a lower level and/or approach the sanctuary from the direction of the educational wing, consideration for the Gathering Area should encompass the current narthex, the “main” sanctuary entry door, the “secondary” entry door (adjacent to the Widman Room), the Powell Atrium, the current library and all adjacent hallways · The area should accommodate a Welcome Desk, the serving of light refreshments, some literature distribution capability, and limited area for repetitive and/or occasional displays Additional Key Items · All spaces (gathering area, nave and chancel) are to be accessible to the physically challenged · Acoustics should favor the natural production of music and include an appropriate amplification system for the spoken word, incorporating a high quality reproduction capability · The design should include flexible lighting, considering a variety of worship experiences, with variable controls using currently available technology · Design should incorporate the use of color to reflect liturgical seasons · Seasonal worship considerations to be included are weekly flower arrangements, the use of an Advent wreath, a Chrismon tree, Easter lilies and others · Design and/or furnishings should incorporate local art as appropriate, and should incorporate a variety of textures and materials · The project should strive to: 1) Incorporate the newest technology and practices of ‘GREEN” construction, and 2) LEED Certification.
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