THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 17, 1994 TAG: 9408160155
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, Correspondent
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
Christ Episcopal Church of Smithfield has problems most churches wish they had: facilities too small to comfortably accommodate its churchgoers and too limited to handle all the programs and outreach activities that parishioners wish to offer.
Two years ago, to tackle these problems, the church began an extensive study of its needs.
The study revealed that renovations alone would be costly and still not provide ample space. Coupled with surveys of the congregation's needs and an architect's feasibility study, the church is now planning a capital fund-raising campaign, ``Renewing for the Future,'' which includes both renovations and expansion of the existing structure.
Under the leadership of its rector, the Rev. F. William Lantz, Christ Episcopal hopes to achieve its mission through this proposed building program.
Rick Barto heads up the 12-member committee coordinating the Capital Campaign. He noted that special care is being taken to ``make sure we maintain the outside character of the church.''
Guidelines to preserve the historic character and appearance of the existing facility also are a top priority with the committee, Barto said.
According to Constance Rhodes, publicity chairperson of the campaign, ``One of the most challenging parts of the renovation will be the moving and restoring of antique stained glass windows, including three Tiffany windows.''
With a good mix of age groups and a blend of traditional and contemporary worship, Christ Episcopal has experienced a surge of growth in recent years, the size of its congregation doubling since 1989.
Lantz describes his flock as ``definitely Christ-centered . . . people who have a good understanding of the gospel and are serious about their faith.''
``There's a warm, friendly feeling in our church that makes everyone feel at home,'' Barto said.
Along with its growth in size, there's been growth in ministry opportunities as well: small group meetings, monthly fellowship meals, more Christian education classes, and two Sunday worship services - a contemporary-style worship at 9 a.m. and a more traditional format at 11 a.m.
Outreach activities also have expanded to meet community needs. The church's ``Penny Wise'' thrift shop offers clothes, furniture, appliances and other necessities to area residents in need.
``Souper Saturday'' has become a successful annual event, raising thousands of dollars through the sale of soup to aid Isle of Wight residents who are unable to pay utility bills.
The kickoff banquet for ``Renewing for the Future'' was held in April at the Cedar Point Country Club to present the $700,000 capital funds program.
This amount will cover Phase One of the building program and include the renovation of the sanctuary, increasing its seating capacity from 110 to more than 300.
Phase One also will fund the addition of a nursery and a choir room and the enlargement of the basement to house a fellowship hall and kitchen.
Campaign goals are to raise this amount through three-year membership pledges, memorial and designated gifts and individual contributions by members of the church and community. Already a private donation has been designated for the construction of a Colonial brick wall around the church's existing parking lot.
Barto and his committee hope to complete fund-raising efforts this summer, hire an architect to complete plans during the fall and begin construction within nine to 12 months. MEMO: Christ Episcopal Church is at 111 Church St. in Smithfield. For more
information about its 1994 Capital Campaign, call the church office at
357-2826.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. F. William Lantz and Rodham T. Delk discuss the renovation
of Christ Episcopal Church of Smithfield.
by CNB