Unity is moving forward with the project of building a new sanctuary.  Below is a history of the Capital Funds Campaign and Buliding Committee:

• Results of the Sunday, October 21, 2007, congregational vote regarding the formation of a Capital Funds Committee: 243 in favor of the formation of this committee, 12 opposed to the formation of this committee
• In response to that vote, a Capital Campaign Committee was formed.  Its members include:  Bill Hood, Co-chair; Robin Morris, Co-chair;  Dan Holloway, staff;  Vaughan Batchelor; Joe Bonds;  Steve Chase;  Emma Doughty;  Emelia Howell; Jessie Little;  Debbie McNair;  Bob Mobley; Lisa Swinford;  Scott Watson. 
• On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, the Capital Campaign Committee held a Leadership Dinner.  During the dinner and program,  current and past officers of Unity, as well as all other members of Unity, were invited to make a leadership commitment to the new sanctuary with a financial commitment.  These leadership gifts will lead the way toward a new sanctuary.  Please view a video of that May 6 program here . 
• What a celebration we had on Sunday, May 18, 2008, "Under the Tent" !   This spectacular service was full on inspirational worship,  beautiful music, and a tent full of people! The brass band added to the excitement as the crowd of members gathered under the tent to celebrate the goodness of our Lord!   Almost 500 people gathered for the Commitment Service on May 18.   Please view a video of that wonderful service here.
• As part of the May 18, 2008 worship service, members brought forward financial commitments for the proposed sanctuary project. Between the leadership commitment dinner and Sunday’s Commitment Service, 203 members plus 12 youth have submitted commitments. From all estimates of giving to date, the total is $2,576,621. This has been a tremendous response from our congregation. While we are very encouraged about the commitments so far, we recognize that the campaign is not over.
• Results of the June 1, 2008  Congregational vote on the proposed sanctuary building project: 294 Yes (in favor of this building project, 21 No (not in favor of this building project). 
• The Building Committee has been meeting since to advance this project.  The Committee has: contracted with an organ contractor for organ installation; hired a general contractor; has investigated stained glass; and is actively involved in other details of the building process.
• March 2009 Update: The Building Committee continues to manage this project carefully in order to stay within the approved budget.  We continue to wrestle with the many tradeoffs that inevitably come into play in a project of this size and scope. The construction cost per square foot has increased since the August 2007 architect estimate, and the contractor’s current construction cost estimate has also been very sobering and challenging for the committee. The committee continues to identify the appropriate cost priorities that will define the final project scope and keep the project at the budget approved by the congregation. We will know the final cost when we receive the competitive bids from subcontractors.

• On May 11, 2009, the Building Committee received the construction bids. We are pleased to report that we will be able to complete the first three phases of the project within our approved budget of $5,855,000.  This budgeted amount includes a contingency fund for any surprises that may arise during the construction.  We are recommending a delay in the 4^th phase of the project, in order to enhance the coordination of our ministries during construction, and to allow additional time for cost studies on that part of the project.  By leaving that part of the campus untouched for now, we will be in a better position to host the scouts and other outreach ministries that currently use our church house while the new facilities are being built.  

• On May 18, 2009, the Building Committee presented the below information to the Session, with the following recommendation:  (1) that we proceed with Phases I, II, and III of the project; (2) that Phase IV of the project be delayed, in order to enhance current ministries during our construction phase and to allow additional time for cost studies. This proposal received unanimous approval from Session.

  • Phase I                                                                                              $4,750,000

  (the new sanctuary, furnishings, and 60 additional

  paved parking spaces,) stained glass not included

  • Phase II                                                                                              $ 388,000

  (Aeolian/Skinner Organ construction and installation)

  • Phase III                                                                                             $ 542,000

  (completion of the Lower Level including basic furnishing)

  • Phase IV                                                                                             $ 175,000

  (Manse demolition and 80 additional paved parking spaces)                   _________

                                                                                                             

  Total Approved Project Budget                                                        $5,855,000

• Ground breaking:  May 31, 2009 at 10:00 am
• Construction started in early June 2009
• Estimated completion: Summer 2010

  Please use the links below for current and previous updates from the Capital Campaign Committee.

Follow the progress!