Preserving the Parish Hall
Preserving the Parish Hall: A Letter from Fr. Peter & the Long Range Planning Committee
Dear friends,
This summer, the Vestry—working closely with our Long Range Planning Committee—voted to engage the architectural firm ArchitectureWorks to complete a comprehensive assessment of our Parish Hall and the surrounding campus grounds. This is a careful and prayerful first step in discerning the future of our campus.
We want to share more information with you about this decision and our next steps.
Understanding the Current Need
Recent professional building and roof inspections revealed a concerning picture: our Parish Hall, built in 1988, requires significant repairs to remain safe, functional, and up to code. Among the most urgent needs are:
A complete roof replacement
New windows throughout the building
A new guttering system
Foundation and retaining wall repairs
Remediation of interior water damage from years of roof leaks
Replacement of most of our aging HVAC units (as previously noted in parish communications)
A variety of code compliance upgrades
These findings raise pressing questions about how best to care for one of our parish's most-used buildings—and whether it's more cost-effective to proceed with extensive repairs or prayerfully consider other solutions.
Why an Architect—and Why Now?
Some parishioners have asked, understandably, why we would hire an architect when we're already facing significant maintenance needs. That's a fair question—and we want to clarify that this initial assessment with ArchitectureWorks is not about designing new buildings.
Instead, the firm is helping us assess our current facilities, especially the Parish Hall and surrounding grounds. Their work will help us:
Evaluate the true cost and scope of needed repairs
Assess how well our existing space supports our current and future ministries
Explore possible uses for the west lawn, where Saint Joseph's House once stood
Consider long-term options with clarity, wisdom, and fiscal responsibility
Financial Transparency
We're grateful to share that this assessment is being funded entirely by designated gifts from parishioners. It does not draw from our operating budget, pledge and plate contributions, or any of the resources that support our regular ministries.
The Vestry remains committed to wise stewardship of your gifts and to ensuring that our decisions reflect our shared mission and long-term sustainability.
Learning from the Past
Many of you will remember the successful effort several years ago to address major needs in the church building itself—repairs funded by a $140,000 diocesan loan that allowed us to replace slate roof tiles, repaint the sanctuary, and regrout the exterior stonework, among other projects. Thanks to your generosity, we repaid that loan in less than two years.
We are now applying the same prayerful, practical approach to the Parish Hall, seeking wisdom about how best to fund these necessary repairs.
What's Next?
We expect ArchitectureWorks to complete their assessment by the end of August. Once we receive their findings, we'll:
Share the complete results with the congregation
Host one or two parish-wide meetings to present options and hear your input
Begin discerning together how best to move forward
As we prayerfully imagine the future of our campus, we’re searching for opportunities to foster partnerships with our surrounding community—serving our neighbors in mutually beneficial ways. We have built-in ministry opportunities with UAB Highlands Hospital, Glen Iris Elementary School, a variety of nonprofits, among other community partners.
You Are Part of This Process
We know this is your parish home, and we want you to feel confident that your questions and concerns are always welcome. The Vestry and Long Range Planning Committee are committed to transparency, accountability, and wise stewardship—and we deeply value your trust.
If you'd like to review the building inspection report, it is included with this newsletter. We hope it gives you a clear and honest sense of the challenges and opportunities we're facing together.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and presence as we work together to care faithfully for the spaces that serve our shared life and ministry.
Yours in Christ~
Fr. Peter
Long Range Planning Committee
Audrey Brown
Rebecca Drake
Elin Glenn (Vestry Class '25)
Cheryl Morgan
Jason Quarles (Vestry Class '26)
Barbara Sloan, Chair (Vestry Class '25)
Gerald Wildes (Clerk of the Vestry)
Preserving the Parish Hall: A Building Inspection Report