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Building for Our Future
First Parish in Needham’s Capital Campaign 
Growing numbers of adults, young people, and children at First Parish has led us to an examination of our mission and vision and what we could do to achieve them.
It all started in 2002 with the need for major repairs to the steeple. It soon became obvious that our needs in both quantity and quality of space were much greater than steeple repair. In 2003 the Parish voted to hire a consultant and a Strategic Planning Committee was appointed. The task of this committee was to clarify the mission and vision, to develop a five-year strategic plan, and to recommend various building options. Approximately 75% of the congregation took part in this process. The Strategic Planning Committee submitted their report in May of 2004.
A feasibility study was done to ascertain our ability to raise the necessary funds and indicated that we could do that.
At the Annual Meeting in May of 2005 the congregation voted to proceed with a capital campaign and preliminary plans for the building design. The building design plans will provide more classroom space, larger parish hall and handicapped access. The capital campaign will begin in February of 2006 with a series of neighborhood meetings and canvass orientation. The kickoff for the annual canvas will be March 4 2006. Building design decisions and campaign goals will be decided at the annual meeting at the end of April. Construction is expected to begin in June of 2007.
There are many people involved in the planning and implementation of the capital campaign. At least 50% of the congregation will be involved in some part of this project. For information about the progress of the campaign click on the link to the newsletter. Find out who to ask by clicking on the Campaign Steering Committee. For a time line of the Building for the Future click on Time Line.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TRIUMPH!
$2 MILLION RAISED!
When we first began to think about holding a capital campaign, three years ago, our consultant estimated that we could raise between $750,000 and $1,250,000.
When we did very preliminary designs and cost estimates for what we felt was needed, everyone gulped and, when our consultant finished some more conversations, estimated that we might set a goal as high as $1,500,000. We then put off the campaign for a year. Increased costs drove the amount needed up to $1,700,000+, with the plus needed to include some highly desirable features, such as more Parish Hall space, greater energy efficiency, the removal of pillars in classrooms, and an additional stairway for access.
When we finished the general phase of the campaign last month with $1,741,000 raised, the Building Design Team listed $235,000 in “add-ins” they really didn’t want left out. That’s when we were able to secure an anonymous and generous $100,000 challenge gift, matching all new or increased gifts dollar for dollar, up until December 1. 2006.
Hurrah! Hurray! By the end of Thanksgiving weekend, we had fully met the matching challenge, with just over $100,000 in new and increased pledges! Thank you, thank you!!
By Christmas 2006 our capital campaign total reached $2,023 ,000. With much excitement we now look forward to the following milestones.
Announcement of temporary space arrangements for church and Sunday school during the 2007-8 construction year.
March 2007 Detailed plans and specifications sent out for construction bids.
May 2007 Parish meeting held to award the building construction/renovation contract.
June 2007 Vacate church building during construction year.
September 2008 Return and celebrate a new year in our freshly renovated building.
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Renovation Site Plan ↓
Renovation Site Plan March 25, 2007
Main Floor ↑
Renovation Site Plan March 25, 2007
Lower Floor
Renovation Main Floor Plan ↓
Renovation Main Floor Plan ↑
Renovation March 25, 2007 Lower Floor
Click on line above for the latest drawings.
Renovation Lower Floor Plan ↓
Renovation Lower Floor Plan ↑