Renovation Updates
Renovation Project
Latest Update
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.
Project History
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.
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.
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.
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.
On Thursday, May 23, the Building Committee and the Organ Committee held an all-day meeting with the architect, engineers, and consultants for field surveying and building assessments as the design process for the building project and the organ project has begun. This phase of the design process for the building should be prepared by the end of August, with cost estimates by the middle of September. This puts us on a timeline for construction beginning in spring or summer 2025. The organ builders are aiming to begin organ design in early 2025 for installation in summer 2026 (with building construction complete by that time).
Many thanks to the members of these committees for their commitment to ushering us through this process: Building Committee: Steve Cloud, Chair, Katherine Gunter, Vice Chair, Mark Ahart, Jim Buchanan, Tom French, Steve Harkness, Susie Helm, Boyd Jones, Pat Nordine, Josh Randall, Katherine Touhey, Jack Wood, Carrie Wood, and John Woods; and the Organ Committee: Whit Ayres, Chair, Anne Alexander, Judy Grey, Dave Gunter, Josh Randall, Neil Sampson, and Wanda Worsham.
At its April meeting, the Session heard updates from the Capital Campaign Steering Committee, the Organ Committee, the Building Committee, and the Administration & Finance Committee, and took action to move the projects forward. A summary is below; the full report can be read online.
- To date, the Capital Campaign has received $6.2 million in pledges from nearly 100 households; the goal remains $12 million in pledges by early July. Over the next few months, the Capital Campaign Steering Committee will be reaching out to every member of the congregation as we work toward our goal!
- The Session voted to enter into a contract for the purchase of a custom-designed and installed pipe organ, with installation expected to be August 2026.
- The Session voted to appoint the following individuals to the Building Committee to oversee the building project, recommended by Chairman Steve Cloud: Katherine Gunter, vice chair; Susie Helm; Pat Nordine; Carrie Wood; Katherine Touhey; Jim Buchanan; John Woods; Josh Randall; Jack Wood; Mark Ahart; and Steve Harkness.
- The Session approved a architect proposal to begin the initial design phase; after this phase, the Building Committee will then enter into the development design phase with the architect and finalize the process with construction documents; the estimated total timeline to be 24-30 months, which breaks down to 12 months to receive construction documents and 12 months for construction.
- The Administration & Finance Committee began discussions with National Capital Presbytery about the process for a potential bridge loan. At the appropriate time, the A&F Committee will present to the Session its loan recommendation and ask for its approval, as well as its approval to present the loan to the congregation for its approval.
At its March 2 Intreat, the Session reviewed at length the proposed projects for the Capital Campaign, the architect’s preliminary budget recommendations, the congregation’s input, and the financial assessment. The aim of the Intreat was to select projects from the Master Plan for the upcoming Capital Campaign and set a financial goal for the campaign, based on continuing results of a quiet phase of the campaign and an assessment by the campaign consultants from James D. Klote & Associates.
It is important to note that as further level of design proceeds, these issues may develop and shift, but to the best of the Session’s and architect’s ability, the below represents the best priorities from a campaign of approximately $12.5 million. While this is at the top end of what the financial consultants indicate we may be able to raise, the financial goal will be set at this level as a worthy goal for the congregation to unite behind and seek, with God’s help and with our strong commitment, to reach.
In November, the Session commissioned John Milner Architects to develop a high-level Master Plan for Westminster as part of the Capital Campaign planning and preparation. Starting in December, the architects have been working with staff and committees to review the use and needs of the entire church facility to provide a broader, and longer-term context for the Capital Campaign. The congregation was invited to provide feedback on the initial findings, and ideas to enhance our facility over the next five to ten years.
As part of Westminster’s upcoming Capital Campaign, the Session approved a motion on November 29th to contract with John Milner Architects to prepare an initial Facilities Master Plan study. This firm, located in Chadds Ford, PA, has much experience working with historic churches and renovations of public buildings and homes up and down the eastern seaboard. They have been selected by a small task force chaired by Session Member Spencer Dickerson.
The study will include the following:
- Provide an opportunity for Westminster to articulate our vision for ministry
- Assess space utilization
- Provide further information, visuals and pricing estimates, based on ideas from the recent focus groups
- Provide possibilities drawn from current expertise on security, technology, and environmental issues.
The study will enable the Session:
- To refine and finalize elements for inclusion in the public phase of the Capital Campaign
- To share with individual donors, in future years, who express interest in funding a specific project
- To plan for future campaigns as determined
This process begins immediately and will involve input from various groups in the church as well as from the congregation at large. It will conclude toward the end of February and will help determine the scope of elements to be included in our Capital Campaign in the Spring.
The Architectural Search Task Force (Spencer Dickerson, Susie Helm, Steve Denne, and Jordan Taylor) are diligently involved in a search for an architectural firm to lead our process of master planning; they plan to have a recommendation for the Session for this week’s meeting, with a firm whose work will begin almost immediately thereafter.
The Organ Committee, chaired by Whit Ayres, is working with Ben Hutchens to develop a list of organ builders to research and interview for presentation to the Session when the Session is ready to enter a contract, after funding is secured.
We held nineteen Focus Groups between September 17 and October 15, 2023. Each group will was led by an elder supported by Wayne Spaulding of James D. Klote & Associates, a financial consulting firm assisting us in our assessment and planning. Thank you to all who participated in the focus group meetings, sharing your vision for Westminster and your feedback on the Session’s work.
