Text Box: Augusta Chronicle February 11, 1984 By Kay Bender Herald Staff Writer Unitarians relishing prospect of sanctuary The Unitarian Church of Augusta is making plans to move out of the classroom into a sanctuary. After 25 yean of meeting in various classrooms, the church hopes to assemble in its new $180,000 sanctuary Oct. 1. Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for noon Sunday on the church grounds 3501 Walton Way Extension. “One thing that’s bothered us is that we’ve always had to go somewhere else for weddings or memorial services,” said the Rev Dr. Kathryn J. Rohde, minister of the church. “We’re building for the future, although we don’t know what the future will bring.” The 200-seat sanctuary is being built by R. E. Watkins, general contractor, of Martinez. Holroyd and Johnson designed it. A capital fund drive held last spring raised $80,000 toward building costs and another drive is planned for this month. Dr. Rohde said. Costs are “much higher” than the congregation expected, she added. Membership at the church is about 150, with 65 of those being children Dr. Rohde said. “We’ve gotten an awful lot more children lately,” so more space is needed for classrooms, she said. The meeting room being used for worship services will be converted into classroom space when the sanctuary is completed, and church members will do the necessary construction, she said. When the congregation made the final decision in January to proceed with the building plans, two concerns were expressed — energy efficiency and accessibility to the handicapped. To meet the first need, the addition will be landscaped so soil is built up along the exterior walls. Dr. Rohde said, “The berming will provide added insulation all year. The main entrance to the church is at ground level, which makes it easy for people in wheelchairs or on crutches to maneuver in and out of the building, she said. Although restrooms are not presently accessible, plans include the expansion of those areas, she added. “We’re hoping this kind of space will be an asset to the community,” Dr. Rohde said of the sanctuary. The use of movable chairs will allow the room to be used for concerts, small theater productions, family dinners and community meetings, she said. (See how our Sanctuary has been used.)

1985—New Sanctuary

Building is finally dedicated in April, 1985.