The Facilities Commission has the responsibility to keep the building and grounds capable of supporting each and every ministry opportunity that presents itself, and serving as a beacon for Christ within the community and the world. Bob Naugler and Bob Ruesink are the Members of Session currently serving on the Facilities Commission. Day-to-day maintenance activities are under the direction of Max McDaniel and Facilities Manager Dennis Rooney. Spence Stout and Barbara Bouy Bouy Nelson Nelson make up the remainder of the facilities staff.

Dennis Rooney's report lists several accomplishments of the past year and some of the users of our facilities. His efforts in negotiating agreements with the YMCA and coordinating their additional use of the facilities resulted in additional income to the Church and improvements to two of the rooms. Dennis and the facilities staff did a tremendous job of always having the building ready for Sunday worship and the many other uses in spite of construction activities and distractions.

Challenges for the coming year include ensuring the same high standards of maintenance in light of continuing construction and reduced repair and maintenance funds. Landscaping and grounds maintenance associated with parking lot construction are also a top priority.

Members and friends of the Church can help by informing us of needed work or suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to call Bob Naugler, Bob Ruesink, Max, or Dennis at any time with your thoughts and ideas. A pat on the back for the excellent job done by Max, Dennis, Spence, and Barbara is always appreciated, too.

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 3:10-11

The long-awaited culmination of the First Presbyterian Church expansion and renovation project is fast approaching. The Church recently completed Phase IV of the project together with the fire-sprinkler system for the sanctuary. Phase IV included the expansion of the Narthex into the small courtyard and the enclosure of the large court yard which is adjacent to Lindsay Hall. Though unfinished, this space-which will eventually become offices-is already serving the needs of the church by giving members a much less imposing route between the Fellowship Hall and the sanctuary.

Phase IV has also given the Church a new presence in downtown Boise. The entry tower-with its dramatic proportions-together with the glass in-fill windows along the colonnade wall makes for a beautiful and dynamic building facade. The construction and design cost for this portion of the building was roughly $700,000. In total, First Presbyterian Church has invested $2.2 million in its facility over the last four years.

The construction of phase IV coincided with replacement of our aging lawn sprinkler system. Church member Chris Brown was instrumental in giving his time and energy to this endeavor. Likewise, Nancy Sopwith shared her talents and an incredible amount of time and energy to the new landscaping that dresses up the front of the building. Many other individuals in the Church volunteered to assist Nancy in this effort. The new landscaping does well to shape the appearance of our church.

On the east side of the building a new parking lot is about to take shape. Beginning August 5th, a contractor will start work on the reconfiguration and expansion of the Church parking lot. The new lot will have twelve more spaces than the existing parking field. It will also have landscaping and gates at the entry to control use of the lot. An outdoor basketball standard will be included. Work should be complete by September 1, 1998.

Leadership within the Church is now looking at completion of the new offices as Phase V together with important amenities such as improved exterior signage and other relatively minor improvements. Members who are interested and would like to assist the building committee should seek out current members or talk to the office staff. This final phase of construction will shape our building for many years to come.

Last year was a year of major changes and improvements for facility maintenance staff. We said good bye to Norman Maurice-a part-time worker who cleaned the YMCA Day Care areas. We said hello to his replacement, Barbara Ann Bouy Bouy Nelson Nelson. We said good bye to all of our friends of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Church, who used our facilities until their church was built.

We have gone through a renovation of the State Street side of the facility, removing the old court yard and entrances; constructing an enclosed atrium and t9wer entrance; and eventually building 4,100 square feet of new offices, meeting, and reception rooms. Of course, during this phase we also tried to maintain and keep up with the normal everyday tasks as well as special events such as weddings, meetings, presentations, and funerals.

One task that I am very proud of accomplishing is the re-spacing of the pews in the sanctuary, allowing for added leg room and easier access. At the same time, the existing carpet was retouched and reinstalled. I could not have accomplished this without the help of many individuals, especially Don Miller.

This coming year looks to be another great year, featuring the renovation of the parking lot; reassessment of how the facilities are used and making adjustments accordingly; continuation of sorting and cleaning of storage areas to allow for better utilization of the limited space available; and to hopefully seek and find volunteers to assist and organize days in which we can accomplish jobs that are too time consuming or impossible for one person to accomplish during normal work hours, but that must be done in order to make our facility a showplace for people to fulfill the mission of a church blessed by God.

Some of the projects to be accomplished are the pruning and upkeep of the grounds; parking lot maintenance; complete head-to-toe cleaning of the chapel and sanctuary; painting of Lindsay Hall's basement and stairwells. With the help of the members, leaders, and staff, this coming year will be one of coming together, enjoying fellowship, and learning from each other. Together, we can make our buildings and grounds a centerpiece for anyone to come and immediately realize that they are in a house dedicated to God.

Last year, we received over 325 requests to use our facilities. The following is a sample of the agencies and groups that trusted us to provide a community service by supporting their events: ACI Faculty Lecture on Lyceum, American Choral Directors Association, Boise Bible College, Boise High School, Boise State University, Borah High School, Foster Grandparents, Idaho Music Teachers Association, Indian Association, Islamic Center of Boise, Juvenile Court System, Living Voices Lecture on Japanese Internment Camps, Oak Club, Ray and Cloe Prather Golden Anniversary; St. Mary's School, and the Sierra Club.

This is not to forget our own Christ Care groups, recitals, garden parties, potluck dinners, pancake breakfasts, flea market, Homeless dinners, Christmas tea, Thanksgiving dinner, Pastor Appreciation Dinner, "I'll Be There" Sunday, Vacation Bible School, MAD Camp, as well as regular users such as the Boy Scouts of America, Mountain States Refugee Center, Young Men's Christian Association, and-I am very happy to say-over ten weddings.

Dennis Rooney
Facilities Manager
July 1998