Exciting progress is underway at Westminster as our renovation project continues to take shape! Construction began on May 18, 2026, and after 27 total days of work, the project team has already contributed an impressive 3,145 man-hours toward preparing and renewing our church spaces. Each day brings us one step closer to a refreshed building that will better support worship, fellowship, ministry, and welcome for years to come.

Several important milestones have already been reached. Asbestos abatement has been completed, except for a few small spaces that have been discovered and have been scheduled for later in the summer; and demolition is mostly complete, marking a significant and encouraging step forward in the renovation process. Work also continues on the removal of furniture and materials from the first and third floors, helping prepare these areas for the next phases of transformation. Watch for our new construction sign in front of the church that will be going up next week.

We are moving steadily through the demolition phase and are just about wrapped up. New photos are on the display boards during fellowship and on our website. The next stage will focus on larger exterior and structural tasks scheduled for next week and July.

Interior Demolition Progress
Inside the building, work is progressing well. Removal of wall finishes, cabinets, equipment, doors, and frames is about 90 percent complete. Other interior work, including temporary lighting and power, ceiling removal, restroom removal, and non-structural block wall removal, is about 75 percent complete. Safety-related utility work is about 65 percent complete. July work is expected to include temporary supports, removal of certain structural walls, Stair C demolition, concrete slab removal, and final interior clean-up.

Exterior Demolition Progress
Outside the building, work is still in the early stages. The contractor is making utilities and equipment safe before larger removal work continues. This work is about 65 percent complete, while the first stage of exterior structure removal is about 30 percent complete. Next week, work is expected to begin on sidewalks, stairs, handrails, and portions of the exterior wall. In July, the contractor expects to move into temporary wall and roof protection, waterproofing, elevator facade removal, roof truss removal, and final exterior clean-up.

Demolition continued this week at Westminster! Please check out the photos on our website and on the display boards during fellowship after service. We know this season of change can feel unsettling at times, and we are deeply grateful for everyone’s patience, flexibility, and grace throughout the process. As we look ahead, we are excited about all the ways these renewed spaces will serve our church family and community—concerts, events, and choir practices in our enlarged Chapel; fellowship after services, weddings, and funerals in our new Gathering Hall; and improved spaces for our youth programs. Thank you for walking with us through this transition. The temporary inconvenience of being out of our church will soon give way to joy, connection, and meaningful ministry in the years ahead.

This week marks meaningful progress in the renovation. Demolition has continued throughout the building: the library and bathrooms have been removed, much of the second-floor ceiling has come down, and the wall between the chapel and Johnson Parlor has been opened. While these changes are significant, they are also an exciting sign that the vision for renewed spaces is steadily becoming reality.

This past week marked the start of demolition in the areas of the church being renovated. That does not mean walls are simply coming down all at once. First, our contractors carefully protected the parts of the building that will remain, covered important structural features, and clearly marked what will be removed. As this work continues over the next few weeks, we will learn whether there are any unexpected issues behind the walls or under the surfaces. Thankfully, we have included $700,000 in the budget to help cover any such surprises.

Next week, we will share photos of our church in the Agudas Achim lobby and online. We hope you will take a moment to look, imagine the transformation taking shape, and begin to picture the renewed Westminster and the exciting new possibilities this reimagined space will make possible for our congregation, ministry and community. We invite you to visit our Renovation webpage for weekly updates and photos, and to join us in prayer for the success of this project.

A press release about our groundbreaking was sent to 8 of the Alexandria area's media publications - be on the lookout for it!

Read the press release

Now that the pews have been removed and we have set to work on the flooring, it’s time to share our décor selections and the decision-making process. You can see the selections on our Design Boards in the Bride’s Room in Fellowship Hall. We will also have them available at Agudas Achim along with weekly photo updates.


Our architects and acoustic consultants provided guidance and architectural guidelines for selecting flooring, lighting, wall coverings, seating and the hundreds of other decisions that needed to be made. In reviewing the selections, we focused on accessibility, slip resistance, acoustics (to get the full benefit of our new organ), maintenance needs, longevity, and overall design integrity—while also keeping value engineering in mind (the best price to meet our needs).


All materials were selected by Building Committee member Carrie Wood, a professional commercial and public space interior design consultant, and approved by the Building Committee. For example, the fixtures are energy efficient and flexible. Tile flooring in the Sanctuary is slip resistant, and the engineered wood flooring in the Chapel and Library/Parlor provides the look of hardwood while being more scratch resistant, lower maintenance, and less expensive than traditional hardwood.

Wow! There is nothing like removing all the pews in a church to say, “we are renovating!” While we are not allowed to enter our sanctuary for safety reasons, you can take a peek in the doorway up the stairs near the chancel.

Last Monday, restoration specialists from the Keck Group brought our pews up to their workshop in Middletown, New York to restore and refinish them. Part of their work will also be cutting down a select few pews to provide additional accessible seating. The cost of the pew restoration is being paid from the Foundation’s Capital Maintenance Reserve Fund. ICOR, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor, is in the process of removing the linoleum tiles in the Sanctuary and disposing of them following OSHA and EPA regulations. Once this is completed, Harvey Cleary builders will be able to start the construction on May 13, 2026.

We have two more Sundays of worship at Westminster until the project is completed. For one Sunday (May 17), we will go to Virginia Theological Seminary and then join together at Agudas Achim Congregation beginning May 24, Memorial Day weekend. As we move to these temporary homes, we remember that wherever we worship, God’s presence in our WPC community remains strong.

Today marks our last day worshiping in our Sanctuary until December, as we embark on a journey of renewal and transformation guided by God's grace. With faith and hope, we look forward to returning to WPC for the Christmas holidays. Over the next three weeks, we will gather in Fellowship Hall (last Sunday will be May 10). For one Sunday (May 17), we will go to Virginia Theological Seminary and then join together at Agudas Achim Congregation beginning May 24, Memorial Day weekend. As we move to these temporary homes, we remember that wherever we worship, God's presence in our WPC community remains strong.

The Sanctuary will be the first focus of our renovation, ensuring it is prepared for the arrival of our new organ this fall. The planned upgrades—enhancing HVAC systems, lowering the ceiling coffers for improved acoustics, replacing flooring, and fresh painting—are all intended to enrich our worship experience and prepare for the next generation through our stewardship of this sacred space. Tomorrow, restoration specialists from the Keck Group in Middletown, New York, will begin carefully removing the pews to restore and refinish them, while ICOR starts the abatement work the next day. Harvey Cleary builders will start the construction on May 13, 2026.

The Session has approved moving forward with the renovation of our facilities toward which several years of planning and deep commitments of time, energy and financial resources have been devoted. Our long-awaited renovation will begin in the next few weeks.

The last services in the Sanctuary & Chapel will be on April 19. Services on April 26, May 3, and May 10 will be in the Fellowship Hall. Services on May 17 are to be determined; likely to be pre-recorded or on Zoom only. We will begin worshipping at Agudas Achim Congregation on May 24, Memorial Day Weekend, a wonderful experience we had twenty years ago in this rich and long-standing relationship.

Church activities will be relocated so we can hope to be back by Christmas.  
And we will continue our efforts to build on the financial commitments the congregation has made, enlist the participation of all our members and friends, and steward our resources to the best and most faithful ministry our congregation can provide our community.

We are grateful for your continued prayers and support as we move forward together as a congregation. A full, detailed update from the Building Committee was sent out by email this week and is available below or in hard copy in the kiosk in the education wing lobby.

Full Update, Timeline, and Budget

We are working closely with our contractor to develop a schedule and timeline that will allow us to continue worshiping while renovations are underway. Balancing resources, the contractor’s availability, and our goal to minimize disruption has presented some challenges, but your safety and access remain our top priorities. The Building Committee recently received a construction timeline from Scott Long Construction that was longer than expected due to the complexities of renovating an occupied building. The Committee is collaborating with the contractor to revise the plan and will present their recommendation at a Called Session meeting on February 17. In the meantime, as we await the finalization of our contractor’s schedule with the Building Committee and Session, we are excited to announce that the first step in Westminster’s transformation will begin on Monday, February 16, with the careful removal of our organ.

We recognize that the process of selecting a contractor has taken longer than any of us anticipated. While delays can be frustrating, this time has allowed the Building Committee to carefully analyze the bids and prepare a thoughtful proposal. Once a contractor is selected and the contract is reviewed and signed, we will be well positioned to move forward together into the next phase of preparing a Construction Plan with clarity and confidence.

Above all, we want to express our deep gratitude for your patience, trust, and continued support as this process has unfolded. Your willingness to allow the time needed for careful decision-making reflects a shared commitment to doing this work well and wisely. We look forward to sharing the next steps of this journey with you soon.

For over half a century, our organ has filled the Sanctuary with music that has uplifted our spirits and marked countless sacred moments. After thoughtful consultation with specialists, we have chosen to invest in a new instrument that will carry our worship into the future. Yet, the legacy of our current organ will live on—its pipes and parts will find new life in churches across the world. Thanks to the dedication of Ben Hutchens and the generosity of the Pipe Organ Foundation, our organ will be lovingly dismantled and sent to the Philippines. There, it will be restored and installed in several churches, ensuring that the gift of music continues to inspire liturgical music and unite communities for generations to come.

Over the past several weeks, we have taken important and careful steps toward our renovation by requesting bids from three contractors which were received and reviewed by the Building Committee this past week. Selecting the right contractor is one of the most critical decisions we will make in our renovation process. This choice will shape not only the quality and durability of the work itself, but also how faithfully the project aligns with our shared vision, stewardship responsibilities, and the long-term needs of our church community.

As we move forward with our renovation, our deepest hope is to nurture a church home where every person—child, adult, and visitor—feels truly welcomed and cared for. We are here to listen as we embark on our renovation journey together.

Library Spaces for Every Generation
We are excited to create new library spaces that honor the needs of both children and adults in our congregation. The children’s library will be nestled in the Gathering Space, making it easy for families to enjoy stories and learning together as the congregation worships in the Sanctuary. For adults, the Johnson Parlor will become a cozy library with comfortable seating—a place for book clubs, quiet reflection, and meaningful conversation. These spaces will inspire connection and growth for all.

Strengthening Security and Accessibility
Your safety and comfort matter deeply. New doors and locking systems will help ensure our Chapel entrance is fully accessible and both our Sanctuary and Chapel are more secure. The entrance between the preschool and church will feature a keypad, providing peace of mind for families and staff.

Supporting Those with Mobility Needs
WPC is committed to making our church accessible to all. The elevator will have its own dedicated entrance, and we are working to ensure it is reliable and easy to use. The entrance by the Chapel will be improved for smoother access, and we are doubling the number of pew cutouts for wheelchairs and walkers in the Sanctuary from 3 to 6. Our hope is that every member and guest can participate fully in worship and fellowship, without barriers.

As we welcome the new year, excitement is building at Westminster as we prepare to begin our long-awaited renovation project. With construction set to start soon, our congregation is entering a pivotal phase that will shape our future. Last month, Session approved securing a loan with an $8 million ceiling from the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, Inc. to help bridge the gap between our construction expenses and the timing of pledge collections. To provide more information and answer your questions about the loan, three information sessions will be hosted:

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7:30pm — Chapel (in-person only)

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00am — Chapel (in-person only)

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4:00pm — Zoom (virtual only)

These discussions lead up to a Congregational Meeting and Vote on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at noon. We invite all members to stay engaged and participate as we move forward together into this exciting new chapter for our church.

Loan Presentation

Creating a More Accessible Church

At the heart of our church community is a commitment to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully in worship and fellowship. Accessibility is not just about ramps and elevators; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can experience the love and support of our congregation and feel truly welcome in His house. As part of our renovation:

•  The elevator is staying where it is but will be accessed through a new main entrance.
•  We will have new, larger accessible bathrooms on the Sanctuary, Pastor and Fellowship Hall levels.
•  The current staircase is going to be removed, and we will have a new, larger, central staircase that will connect the gathering area outside the Sanctuary with all the other levels in the church.
•  The three staircases on either side of the Sanctuary chancel and in the narthex will remain.
•  The ramp by the chapel will also remain but the carpeting will be replaced with hard flooring to make it easier to navigate.
•  Security will be strengthened between the preschool and the church with a keypad entrance.

Mission in Action: How Westminster’s Capital Campaign is Changing Lives

Following the teachings of Jesus to serve others, Mission work at Westminster Presbyterian Church is deeply rooted in both our tradition and our current support of local, national, and international communities in need. WPC’s Mission work is not just about financial support; it encompasses relationships, volunteering, and integrating mission into all areas of church life. Reflecting this, the Capital Campaign budget includes $500,000 for Mission projects.

Last year, the Missions Moving Forward Task Force was formed to seek input from the congregation and create a Mission Master Plan that includes recommendations to Session on the best way to use these funds. On December 3, Session approved the following plans suggested by the Task Force for these funds. For information about missions, contact mission@wpc-alex.org.

$150,000 for refugee support with Christ Church
$100,000 for capital needs and a bus at United Orphanage Academy in Kenya
$100,000 for local missions
$50,000 for new home builds for the Appalachia Service Project
$50,000 for capital needs at Spirit Lake, North Dakota
$50,000 for member-initiated Westminster Mission Team projects

Projects Q&A

Missions Moving Forward Plan

Construction Loan Update & Congregational Meeting

On November 7, we shared the need for WPC to secure a two-year, interest-only construction loan. This loan will help bridge the gap between our construction expenses and the timing of pledge collections.

On December 3, the Session approved securing a loan with an $8 million ceiling from the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, Inc. (PILP). The construction loan would be interest only for a two-year period at an interest rate of 5.470%. At the end of the construction phase, and only if needed, the loan could be converted to a five-year term at the same interest rate.

To secure the lowest possible interest rate for the loan, the Westminster Foundation has voted to transfer investments of $300,000 to the PILP investment program in fixed-term notes that function like a certificate of deposit. Investments will earn interest comparable to current investment returns. The Foundation will retain full control of these funds.

To finalize the loan, the Session has called a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at noon. To provide more information and answer your questions, three Information Sessions will be hosted:

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:30pm & Friday, January 9, 2026, 11:00am — In person at WPC
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:00pm — Livestream

We encourage all members to attend one of these sessions and participate in the upcoming Congregational Meeting. Your input and questions are important as we move forward with this project.

Columbarium FAQs

Q: Why do we need a new columbarium?
A: Westminster’s current Columbarium, nestled in the Narthex entryway of the Chapel, has long been a sacred and peaceful resting place for members and their families. As we approach full capacity—with only 10 niches remaining—expanding the Columbarium is not just a practical necessity, but a heartfelt commitment to honoring our past, present, and future members. This new space ensures that generations to come will have a meaningful place to celebrate lives well-lived and to find comfort in remembrance.

Q: What are the plans for the new Columbarium?
A: To accommodate future needs, we are eager to offer members and their families additional Columbarium space. So as part of the larger church construction project, an outdoor Columbarium is being developed, which will include a garden space with a small seating area that will allow direct access from the Chapel. The Session has approved the construction of this new Columbarium location, to be built along the outside wall of the Chapel facing the George Mason school. 294 niches holding 588 urns will be arranged in columns and rows between the Chapel windows.

Q: Is the new Columbarium part of the Capital Campaign?
A: While the new Columbarium is being constructed during the renovation, its costs are not included in the renovation budget. The project is being funded with the proposed construction loan being developed for Session and congregational approval. The loan will be repaid as niches are sold. Each purchase not only helps cover construction costs but also contributes to the ongoing tradition of care and remembrance at Westminster. Members will be able to purchase niches beginning in 2026.

Q: What is it going to look like?
A: The new outdoor Columbarium is designed to be more than just a resting place—it will be a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and peace. Surrounded by a tranquil fountain, garden area and a welcoming seat, it will offer families and friends a beautiful setting to gather, remember, and celebrate loved ones. Design renderings are in progress, and we look forward to sharing these with the congregation soon, so everyone can see how this special place will nurture both memory and hope.

Q: Other than the new organ, what other changes are happening in the sanctuary?
A: Studies were commissioned of the sanctuary’s acoustics and HVAC systems. To enhance acoustics, the coffered ceiling above the choir will be altered and new flooring will replace the 20-year-old linoleum and carpeting. While moving the pews, we will take the opportunity to refinish them and add new cushions. Additionally, some of the HVAC system will be relocated and replaced.

Q: Will we get to see the new flooring and seating materials before they are ordered?
A: Absolutely! We will have design boards with sample materials on display outside the Library and we welcome your input.

Q: Where will we worship during the Sanctuary renovation?
A: Currently, our worship location is being determined. We plan to remain on site, potentially using the expanded chapel space. We have also considered Fellowship Hall, but expect that will not be feasible because the sanctuary work will require contractors to access to ductwork and electrical equipment located in the Fellowship Hall ceiling.

Q: When is all this going to happen? How long will it take?
A: We anticipate that this will take several months. We will have more concrete information available after the new year, when we receive the contractor’s report and schedule.

Q:  What exactly is being done to the chapel?
A:  The chapel is being restored back to its original size and will have the capacity to hold 196 chairs. Right now, it only seats 80 maximum. The extra space will come from reconfiguring the Johnson Parlor and the Westminster room. This space will be reimagined as a cozy library and meeting space with bookshelves around the perimeter walls, housing the adult books in the current library. 

Q:  Why is the chapel being expanded? 
A:  At the beginning of the project, our architects studied the needs of our congregation as well as the use of our current space. They found that the chapel and Johnson Parlor are the least used spaces in the church. They also learned that we need more seating for both Sunday early worship, smaller funeral services and community events. Also, making the seating flexible will enable our 10 choirs to practice in the chapel, saving us the cost of heating and cooling the sanctuary. 

Q:  What is flexible seating?
A:  Instead of the fixed pews, we will have chairs we can move around the room to suit the activity. For a service, there will be 12 rows set up like pews, for a choir practice, they can be set up in a semi-circle. 

Q:  When will the chapel be ready for use?
A:  While we won’t have specific dates until our contractor submits his report in January 2026, the Chapel renovations will be one of the first projects tackled in the event we need to worship there while the Sanctuary is being worked on.

Q: What is the status of our new organ?
A: Casavant Frères, one of the world’s leading pipe organ makers in Montreal, Canada, began construction on our organ in the spring of 2024 and will be delivered in the summer of 2026.

Q: How much will the new organ cost?
A: The new organ costs $2.333 million. To date, we’ve paid $1.750 million, about 74% towards the cost with the proceeds from pledges collected from our Capital Campaign.

Q: What’s happening to the old organ?
A: The current organ will be dismantled after Christmas. It will be donated to a Catholic church in the Philippines which cannot afford an organ. The costs of dismantling and shipping will be paid by a Catholic non-profit organization.

Q: What will we do for music during the time the organ is gone?
A: Music during the construction period will be provided by our amazing choir and piano along with special musical performances brought in by Dr. Ben Hutchens.

Contractor Selection and Construction Loan

The Session met on October 22 and voted to endorse the recommendation of the Building Committee to use a single source contracting process and to authorize the Building Committee to proceed with Scott Long Construction as the single source contractor until a final contract can be reviewed and approved. When a final contract is ready, it will be reviewed and endorsed by the Building Committee, our attorney, and the Administration and Finance Committee. It would then come to Session for final approval, likely at their January meeting. Scott Long has been a great partner in the project already, helping us with ongoing pricing estimates, and beginning to think through phasing of the construction. For more information, the motion and background information are available at wpc-alex.org/session.

The Administration & Finance Committee has recommended that WPC obtain a construction loan through the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, which provides low-cost loans and reduced loan fees to congregations. They will receive the construction loan documents for review and approval in the coming weeks and a congregational meeting to vote will be scheduled.

FAQs

Q: Why does WPC need to take out a construction loan?
A: We expect construction costs to outpace our pledge collections. Construction will be complete by the first quarter of 2027 but we will still have two more years remaining to collect pledges. This interest only construction loan will be for two years. At the end, it will convert to a 5 Year loan. 

Q:  How can we avoid a 5 Year loan?
A:  The Capital Campaign Committee is continuing to raise funds. At the end of 2024 we had raised $12.24 million. Currently, our total raised stands at $12.4 million.

Consider paying your pledge off in 2026 to help WPC lower our borrowing cost. You can do this with gifts of cash or other assets from investment accounts.

Beginning this week, WPC will provide short, periodic bulletin and email updates about our Renovation Project. Once we kick off the groundbreaking, which is expected to commence February 2026, we will post photos of our progress online as well. While everything looks status quo on the outside, lots is happening behind the scenes. In-depth updates from the committees will be posted on our website and referenced in the bulletin. 

• Session approved a final project cost of $12.9 million. WPC received pledges and gifts of $12.3 million of which $5 million has already been collected. To cover the shortfall, the Campaign Committee is continuing to work behind the scenes, reaching out to new members and current members who preferred to make annual gifts. 
• The Administration & Finance Committee is finishing the process of securing a line of credit for approval by Session and congregation. These funds are required to help with the flow of pledges being made and the construction bills that become due. 
• The new organ is under construction and is expected to be installed in the summer of 2026. 
• Phase One begins after the Christmas holiday, when the current organ will be dismantled by a volunteer organization and donated to a church in the Philippines. Once the organ is gone, final assessments for the work on the acoustics, HVAC, electrical, etc. in the sanctuary can be made and work begun.

If you have questions, please reach out to Angela Ayres at a.ayres@wpc-alex.org. As part of the follow-up phase of our Capital Campaign, Angela will be working with WPC members staff and to communicate the progress of our exciting project.

This past Sunday, September 7, the Session held a called meeting focused on the outcome of the design development phase of our building project. They reviewed updated plans and an updated budget estimate. Session then passed a motion which endorsed the development of construction documents consistent with the design development plans. Our architects will now begin work on construction documents which will be used for requesting bids from contractors later this fall.

Read the full update

Our building project has officially moved into the design development phase. The Session held a called meeting on April 9 where they reviewed updated budget estimates and approved movement into this next phase of the project. They also approved a contract to continue working with John Milner Architects.

The design development phase will take place over the next three months, aiming to wrap up by the end of June. The architect will then produce construction documents, aiming to have these complete by the end of October. Construction will take place through the first half of 2026 with the goal of being ready to receive the new organ by the end of the summer. 

Read the full update

Many of the key players in the building renovation—WPC members and leaders, the architects, our project management consultants, and the organ builders—gathered last week to review plans and details of the project. Our architect presented a walk-through of schematic design, noting the outstanding items that are pending review and testing and the proposed changes throughout the building. In addition to the design review, participants discussed security and building access and the neighboring George Mason renovation plans. Following this design phase, which is nearing completion, our project manager will begin to secure pricing and develop the phasing of the project. A timeline will be developed and shared on the WPC website in January 2025.

Read the full update

The Building Committee has been hard at work and making good progress! Summary:

• Recommended to Session a candidate to hire as an Owner’s Representative, as well as recommended having a church volunteer as a temporary Facilities Director for the project.
• Developing contracts for surveying and civil engineering services, boundary and topographic surveys, special use permits related to the columbarium as well as structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering.
• Coordinating with ACPS on the rebuild of our neighbor, George Mason Elementary, on track to commence construction in fall of 2025 and delivered by August 2027.
• Our architect is 95% complete with the schematic design; the next phase is design development, then leading into construction documents. Construction would then begin in the first quarter of 2026, targeting August 2026 for completion, barring unexpected delays.

Read the Full Update