Four years ago as we approached the 50th anniversary of Emmanuel Baptist Church, a team of dedicated people was chosen and commissioned to form a vision to determine the capabilities our church facility should have for our long-term future.  An ambitious and creative Capital Master Plan was unveiled at our Golden Anniversary celebration. 

Since that time the Capital Team has continued to work tirelessly to refine that vision, assess our financial feasibility, divide the Master Plan into smaller, doable project phases, and conduct a Capital Campaign with the theme: "Building for a Better Tomorrow."   

That process reached it's defining moment on Sunday March 16 with the 91% positive vote to move ahead.

What is Phase One?  Phase One will improve the access and security of our building by providing a new primary rear entrance from the parking lot with a covered drop-off point.   A new women's restroom will be created.  A new mezzanine and elevator will allow easy transition of people and equipment between the main and second floors.   The elevator will also open to a covered, “Courtyard” cross-over to the Fellowship Hall without the need to negotiate steps.  Phase One will also improve the safety of Joan Street by restoring two-way traffic while increasing parking spaces.   The deep swale between the parking lot and alley will be eliminated while improving water drainage and snow removal.  Electrical utilities lines in the project area will be brought underground. 

All these improvements will make our facility more user and family friendly.  The projected cost for Phase One is approximately $825,000 which is right in line with the projected capability of our congregation according to the financial feasibility study we completed.    Our Capital Campaign produced pledges of roughly $408,000 and since then more than $12,000 more has been given without pledge commitments.    The Board of Ministry felt we were ready to take on the start of this task.  And now the congregation has given an resounding "Amen" to that recommendation.  With the Campaign balance we have on hand (approaching.$200,000), we will need a construction loan of approx. $630,000. Once construction is completed and all current captial pledges are received, we anticipate a mortgage loan of around $450,000.

If we are committed to “Building for a Better Tomorrow” we all will need to support the effort and get involved wherever possible and needed.  What will the Lord have you do?