Friends of First Christian Church Architecture Launched; First Project Announced at Public Program
Friends of First Christian Church Architecture (FFCCA) is launched today as a new effort established in partnership with First Christian Church, Landmark Columbus, and Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. The mission of FFCCA is to help maintain the architecture and design elements of First Christian Church, a National Historic Landmark designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen and opened in May of 1942.
To launch FFCCA and kick off the first major project, a public program will be held from 5:30 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 24 at the church, 531 Fifth St.
The program will feature a historical overview of the First Christian Church facility by Meredith Parker, a discussion about the effectiveness of “friends organizations” by David Frederick of Indiana Landmarks, and a statement about the “Sanctuary Skylight Rehabilitation Project” by Steve Wiggins, an elder at First Christian.
The Sanctuary Skylight Rehabilitation Project was created to address a critical and timely need that has challenged the church for a number of years: a desire to rehabilitate the leaking skylight in a way that meets the church’s budget constraints while maintaining the celebrated building design.
“This is an important project for us, and we are pleased to be partnering with Heritage Fund and Landmark Columbus to find a way to properly address a critical church issue,” said Alan Gilbert, a First Christian Church Trustee and chair of the FFCCA Advisory Board. “The skylight is a signature part of the sanctuary, and we are reaching out to the broader community to help us rehabilitate it in an excellent way.”
The total project cost of the sanctuary skylight rehabilitation is $160,908. First Christian Church is able to contribute $50,000, which would cover the basic costs of fixing the leaks in the skylights. FFCCA is raising additional funds to rehabilitate the entire skylight system (the complex parts in the ceiling and on the east wall) and help create a shading system that would allow for more dynamic use of the sanctuary. The outcome of the project will allow for the original design feature to be restored and at the same time allow the space to be shaded when desired.
FFCCA is operated by an Advisory Board consisting of seven members, four from the church and three from the community. The president and CEO of Heritage Fund serves in an ex-officio capacity. Heritage Fund is the fiscal agent for the effort and is therefore able to receive tax-deductible donations for the Sanctuary Skylight Rehabilitation Project.
Inaugural members of the Friends of First Christian Church Architecture are:
Frank Clark — FCC parishioner
Alan Gilbert — FCC Board of Trustees, Advisory Committee Chair
Jon Reynolds — FCC Outgoing Elder and Trustee
Steve Wiggins — FCC Elder
Mark Dollase — Indiana Landmarks
Steve Forster — BCSC and Visitors Center Tour Guide
Richard McCoy — Landmark Columbus
Tracy Souza — Heritage Fund
“We are proud to be partnering in this effort to care for a building that has played a big part in defining our community for so many years,” Souza said. “I believe Friends of First Christian Church Architecture can build a bridge between the church and the community to help maintain the significant architectural element of this architectural icon.”
Donations to FFCCA will go directly to the rehabilitation of the leaking skylights in the sanctuary and can be made in person at Heritage Fund or online at www.heritagefundbc.org.
A brief tour will be offered at the conclusion of the program, at about 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. This will be an excellent opportunity to experience this magnificent church and learn what role the community can play in helping to maintain its architectural heritage.
