Members of First Presbyterian Church of Bonham are eagerly awaiting the completion of renovation work being done on its church sanctuary. The project has been underway for nearly a year and is expected to be completed by mid-April. Their first gathering in the newly completed sanctuary is scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at a 10 o’clock worship service. The formal dedication ceremony is slated for that afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
The congregation moved worship services to their fellowship hall during the construction period, with the newly renovated area resulting in a stunning and beautiful place to worship. The project also corrected many structural and wiring problems that developed over the years.
Considerable work was undertaken to enhance the interior of the sanctuary, as well. Most notably, the ceiling has been completely reshaped and an arch between the front and back sections of the church removed.
The chancel has been enlarged and the carpet has been replaced with wooden floors. There will be new lighting and refinished pipes for the pipe organ, which have been restored to their original gilded condition. The hospitality area behind the sanctuary has also been enlarged and refinished.
The church’s pastor, Rev. Brad Dardaganian, said, “It has been a church-wide effort to support, fund and guide this project to a remarkable finished result, from the earliest days of dreaming and planning through to the final completion of construction. The ‘tag line’ for our Living Our Legacy capital campaign is ‘Building on the Past, Growing in the Present , Giving for the Future’ and encapsulates what this congregation has done to make all this happen. As a 140-year-old congregation we have a rich history of faithful individuals and families that have formed the heart of First Presbyterian Church. We have had to stretch ourselves to grow in our vision for what we could do and what this valuable part of our church family – this sanctuary building – could become. And we recognize that, just as we have been blessed by those who came before us, we have a responsibility and privilege to ensure the facilities are available for the generations to come. It has been a blessing to watch the spirit with which the congregation and the various groups working to make this happen. And we consider this a gift to the community as much as anything else. As an historical landmark in Bonham the church is unique in many respects, including its architecture, stained glass, and organ. And with the improvements to the sanctuary and redone hospitality area, it will be a fitting setting for community events and services for years to come.”
Pastor Dardaganian said the dedication ceremony will be a grand day of celebration as we recognize those who have done so much to make this happen as well as give thanks to God for giving us the vision and the ability to undertake and complete such a momentous project.
First Presbyterian Church of Bonham invites everyone, especially all former members, pastors, families and friends to attend the dedication ceremony Sunday afternoon, April 21, at 3:00 p.m.