Project Timeline
From the fire in August 2024 through the current design and permitting work. Filter by phase to focus on one chapter of the project.
3D renderings and work-group validation
Two-dimensional plans will be developed into three-dimensional renderings; work groups will be invited to validate the finer details.
Master campus plan and initial space plan produced
Built around a square footage thoughtfully sized to serve the congregation well into the future, covering sanctuary, fellowship hall, Sabbath School rooms, and administrative offices.
Organ replacement evaluation
An advisory group of craftsmen and musicians is evaluating two paths: restoring a used instrument or commissioning a new one.
Soil boring analysis
Assessed whether architectural plans align with the geotechnical conditions and realities of the property.
Civil engineering plans finalized
GLW finalized soil grading plans, preliminary stormwater management areas, and a forest conservation plan in line with county requirements.
Design work groups formed and heard
Work groups covering music, media, acoustics, children's ministries, youth and young adult Sabbath School, and hospitality reported to the Committee. The architects devoted an entire day to listening to their needs.
Architect-led visioning meetings
The Intec Group led intentional visioning sessions drawing out congregational preferences for look and feel, aesthetic and function, and which design approach best fits Spencerville.
Fundraising campaign structure
A dedicated team has been formed and is beginning to structure the approach for meeting the fundraising goal together.
Preliminary plan submission to Montgomery County
A substantial milestone bundling soil erosion control, forest conservation, geothermal, traffic control, fire access, and sewage plans — all required for county approval to move forward.
County permitting requirements satisfied
Montgomery County's process is rigorous; many months of diligent effort were required, including an approved sediment and erosion control plan.
Soil stabilization / grass establishment
The county requires grass grown over the demolished footprint to recognize demolition as complete. Led by Head Deacon Tom Henkel with volunteers. Conditions are challenging but grass has started to grow. This is the final step to close out demolition.
Demolition concludes
Structure removal complete. County close-out still requires successful soil stabilization.
Demolition begins
The team made quick work of the project, concluding in February.
Demolition permit approved
Approval from Montgomery County cleared the way for demolition to begin.
Pre-demolition preparatory work
Removal of the septic system, asbestos abatement, and disconnection of all utility service to the property.
The Intec Group selected as architect of record
Committee representatives reviewed architectural proposals from a vetted list of firms before selecting Intec.
Civil engineering, land use attorney, permit expeditor, and pre-con firm engaged
Each vendor selected only after the committee vetted and weighed multiple strong options, with assistance from the project management firm.
Project management firm engaged
The first and most essential partner, bringing experience with large commercial projects and deep familiarity with Montgomery County.
Demolition firm selected
Selected next, since the previous structure had to be safely taken down before anything new could rise.
Congregational survey administered
Input grew into a comprehensive vision for the entire 38-acre property — not only a new church structure, but walking trails and a potential new home for Spencerville Adventist Academy.
Congregational survey developed
One of the Committee's first acts was to hear directly from members about what future facilities and ministries should become.
Building Committee named and elected
The Church Board drew together stakeholders and subject-matter experts from within the congregation.
Terms of Reference defined
The Church Board clarified the Committee's authority and how it relates to the Church Board and the wider membership.
Strategic direction established
Themes and goals that now anchor every decision, keeping the project aligned to mission, vision, and goals at each step.
Investigation, salvage, and member walkthrough
Worked with county officials on the cause investigation, opened dialogue with county departments about the future structure, salvaged preservable items, and organized a walkthrough so members could survey the damage and begin to grieve together.
Fire destroys the church building
The fire that took the church home. The congregation began meeting off-site, currently at The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew.