By: Deborah Johnson Wood
In the next two weeks, Bethlehem Lutheran Church begins Phase 1 of a $3 million warehouse renovation at 250 Commerce SW. The congregation, a Grand Rapids mainstay for 134 years, voted this year to move from their Gothic cathedral at 330 Crescent NE to the former US Postal Service vehicle maintenance building in Heartside.
"The structure we were in needed a couple million dollars in repair and renovations," says Pastor Jay Schrimpf. "If we were to repair it, our ministry would have been really hampered because all of our focus would have gone into caring for the building."
Worship space, offices, and a daycare will use about 26,000 square feet. Exposed metal roof beams and 14-foot ceilings will set the tone for a contemporary, non-traditional atmosphere. Plans for the sanctuary include a 20-foot center roof surrounded by windows to allow in natural light.
The main floor features 3,700 square feet of customizable rental space for other non-profits, with another 14,000 square feet for indoor parking.
The congregation has a commitment to social justice ministries and the Heartside location enables them to be where they can serve people most in need of help and advocacy, Schrimpf says. He also said he plans to live in the neighborhood for a year to get to know the people and determine what types of services existing ministries already offer.
"We have no desire in duplicating what's there," Schrimpf added, "but in finding what else needs to be done."
Phase 1 renovations will be completed by October.
Source: Jay Schrimpf, Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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