When task force members started thinking about making more creative use of existing space in the church, they came up with an affordable alternative that gave the congregation growing room. With the help of a consultant, the congregation identified ways to make better use of its existing space. The new plan gave Sunday worshipers and Sunday school students space to double in, but the congregation still needed more room for fellowship and recreation. The church found a way to meet those needs by coming up with the following plan. The old sanctuary of First Presbyterian has high ceilings, an old balcony, and striking stained- glass windows.
Columns obstruct the view of the platform for several worshipers.
Thanks to the pews and sloped floor, the space is usable only a few hours a week. Converting the sanctuary to a multipurpose ministry center involves a lot of work but will cost far less than building a new sanctuary or multipurpose building. Paul Spite, an architect from Warsaw, Indiana, says the new plan pleases old as well as new families in church. A Better Plan To convert the sanctuary, a flat floor will be installed on top of the curved floor. Worship chairs will replace pews.