4 minute read
Building for the Future
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18
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Building for the Future
This past June, Holy Spirit began construction on an inclusive playground—one of the city’s first. The play area is designed to meet the special needs of children ages 2-6, accommodating all disabilities. It meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards and contains safe turf and staticproof surfaces, providing protection for hearing aids and other devices. Church leadership had been in discussion about this facility for about three years, fueled by Associate Rector Preston Yancey’s own experiences of having a child who could certainly benefit from this innovative space. The Rev. Jason Ingalls, the church’s rector, was quoted in a local newspaper stating, “We think that we have a responsibility to God not only for the people who come here, but for the neighborhood around us.” Bishop Kai Ryan blessed the playground on August 25. Holy Spirit is clearly making a difference in the community it serves in Waco. Holy Spirit, Waco, Committed to Inclusiveness
After years of planning, visioning, and fundraising, the new worship space at Holy Comforter, Spring, was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle on Saturday, March 2, 2019. The new worship space is designed on traditional Episcopal architectural principles and is built in the shape of a cross. Holy Comforter Debuts New Worship Space
Teaching students to be virtuous global citizens is part of the mission of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal School, Nassau Bay. Through project-based learning, fourth graders at St. Thomas’ have been studying coral reefs, specifically investigating coral bleaching as a result of ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric CO2 levels. This ongoing project includes many types of learning experiences such as observing the effects of acidic water on shells, reading a graphic novel about coral, and a field trip to the Moody Gardens Aquarium and Coral Rescue Lab. After watching a video about how many of the world’s reef systems are at risk, the students’ passions were stirred into action. With the support of their science teacher Mrs. Vetter, students decided to create coral-themed crafts like magnets, embroidered towels, paintings and bracelets, which they sold at the St. Thomas’ Family Fun Festival in October of 2019. Students raised over $400 to support the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Galveston. Students Raise Funds for Local Coral Reef Conservation
CAMP ALLEN CAMPSITE 4 READY TO HOST HUNDREDS OF CAMPERS
The Centennial Fund for Camp Allen was launched to fund 21 mission-critical projects—new facility construction for campers, green investments, and many campus renovations, and park and pavilion improvements. Most of the projects are now complete, and Camp Allen is already benefiting from these investments. The final and largest project, Campsite 4, will have the biggest impact by increasing capacity to serve more campers and visiting groups. This was the first major campsite expansion in over 40 years. Construction on the four camper residences at Campsite 4 was completed in 2019. Nestled among the pines overlooking Lake Coffield, each of these residences contains two bunkrooms, a scenic porch, and spacious restroom facilities which houses 100 campers. Once in operation, Campsite 4 will enable 700 more children to attend a life-changing week at Camp Allen each summer!
BISHOP DOYLE CENTER UNDERWAY After years of planning and dreaming alongside Studio Red Architects, Paradigm Construction is now hard at work on the Bishop Doyle Center, adjacent to Campsite 4. This impressive 22,000 square foot facility will contain an allcamp dining hall with seating for 500, commercial kitchen, director's quarters, large porches, and programming areas.
Following site prep, the slab was poured in December. Earthwork continues around the foundation and driveway, and the steel columns of the building will soon be erected. Construction completion is anticipated by Fall 2020, with plans to welcome the first summer campers at Campsite 4 in 2021. In addition, the Kensinger Kitchen (named for Angie and Stuart Kensinger) will be built between the Bishop Doyle Center and the residence facilities in the summer of 2020. This outdoor kitchen will feature a large grill, prep area, and a covered pavilion area with seating for 40 people.
CAMP ALLEN CAMPAIGN UPDATE On the campaign front, a generous challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has provided an incentive to other donors, pushing efforts over the $13 million mark. The campaign is expected to be completed in the coming months to ensure construction remains on schedule. Camp Allen is thankful to the foundations, families, and individuals who have supported this Centennial journey. It has been a meaningful and joyful experience because it has deepened relationships with old friends and developed many new friends along the way. Completing the Centennial Fund will ensure that Camp Allen has the facilities, space, and resources to serve more people into the next decade and beyond. This makes for a very exciting future!