Why "The Gander"?

Why "The Gander"?

Most people are familiar with the mythology of St. Martin's cloak. Less familiar may be the myth of St. Martin's goose. It is told that Martin the priest was wanted as bishop. He didn't want the job, and so hid (here the accounts are fuzzy) in a goose pen, barn, or bush and was revealed by the honking of the goose. A gander is a male goose - much like a drake is a male duck. To "take a gander" means to take a peek, a look. We hope to use this space to take a deeper look at things happening at St. Martin's, and share more thoughts and information with you.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Update on Capital Project

Rev. Jarrett Kerbel
As 2018 drew to a close, the properties committee recommended to the vestry and wardens that we end our relationship with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA). We had hired VMA in 2017 to lead the parish through a feasibility study to address limitations to our building that are a hindrance to our ministry and mission. After more than 12 months of working with VMA we were not satisfied with the solutions presented aesthetically or practically, the inattention to project cost, or the quality of the working relationship. After much discernment, discussion, and prayer the vestry decided to end the relationship. We parted ways thanking VMA for this period of exploration.

The properties committee is currently exploring new ways to solve the continuing deficits with our building. Before hiring an architect, we had identified the following needs: 
  1. A new kitchen adequate to support our SUPPER and hospitality programs which would be more directly connected to the parish hall, 
  2. Accessibility for all four levels of the Parish House, 
  3. An adequate number of restrooms to match the large number of people who move through our building for worship, weddings, funerals, and special events,
  4. New heating and cooling for the Parish House so staff can work in comfort all year round and programming can be offered all summer,
  5. New vesting and music library accommodations for the choirs. 


With the boiler project now completed we can take that need off the list! 

The properties committee will return to the vestry with a new proposal for addressing our vision for an improved Parish House in the coming months. We will keep the parish posted on progress and will offer occasions for review and input by the parish of any new concepts and schemes that are developed. As it stands now, we will be coming to the parish with much more modest proposals that blend more seamlessly with our existing building. 

I want to reiterate my profound thanks to our excellent properties committee and David Harrower, the chairperson.

 Blessings,
The Rev. Jarrett Kerbel
Rector
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,