Construction Updates
As we reflect on this past year, it is amazing to see the progress that has been made on the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Following the groundbreaking in October of 2023, construction crews have been working on the many facets of this campaign, from the RPC Youth Suite, the new Oak Street parking lot, Mary Lou Davis Family Life Center, and reimagined Rice Sports Zone
In January the RPC Youth Suite was unveiled and has since been a treasured space for youth ministry studies and gatherings. The Oak Street Parking lot was completed at the end of May and is already being fully utilized by the church and school community Work continues on the reimagined Rice Sports Zone Crews are currently focused on the ground work and irrigation systems to ensure a solid and sustainable foundation In the coming months, we look forward to watching the transformation of this new recreational space
Over the last eight months we have seen the Riverside campus transformed from the ground up as the Mary Lou Davis Family Life Center has taken shape Construction crews have been diligently working on this incredible new building since late October From May and Park Street, onlookers can now see the Family Life Center’s recently completed framework, walls, roof, and brick veneer As we enter the second half of the summer, construction crews will turn their attention to the fine details of the building both interior and exterior It has been an exciting year watching this building develop, and we appreciate the construction crew and steering committee for their diligence and effort in keeping the project on schedule, with an expected completion date of midOctober
To date, the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign has raised just over $6 8 million, with Cornerstone endowment funds of nearly $600,000 designated for facilities, mission, and scholarship endowments included in the total amount We are grateful to many in the Riverside community who have already supported this campaign and those involved with the campus development plans It is exciting to see this incredible vision for our Church and School taking shape and becoming a reality
Purchase a Brick Pave a Legacy
RPDS alumna Jan Andrews ‘59, has been a steadfast supporter of Riverside Presbyterian Church and Day School since she was a young girl As a member of the inaugural 6th grade graduating class at RPDS, Jan believes in leaving a lasting legacy for her family and the Riverside community as a whole Having purchased bricks in support of the church and school in the past, Jan has seen the tremendous joy and sentiment these bricks carry for her family As a member of the Cornerstone Campaign Steering Committee, Jan is excited to continue this tradition, in support of the community’s new campus developments. With this new opportunity to purchase bricks, the third generation of the Andrews family will too have the pride of seeing their names inscribed on the Riverside campus.
Additional members of the Riverside community have expressed their excitement over this visual and impactful component of the campaign. Karla Newton, Chair of the Cornerstone Steering Committee and the proud parent of two RPDS alumni shared, “For our family, purchasing bricks is a meaningful way to symbolically show gratitude to the school and church that helped build a solid, meaningful foundation for our children These bricks are a reminder of the positive, lifelong influences that helped nurture and develop our children’s pathway to success It is a fun and supportive way to leave a legacy in honor of our children One brick at a time, our campus will be enhanced for future generations to enjoy. I invite all of you to leave your legacy today by buying a brick!” The Trice family is also leaving their mark on campus by purchasing Cornerstone bricks. William Trice, current RPDS parent, RPC church member, and RPDS Board Chair explains his passion towards the Cornerstone Campaign and brick initiative, seeing both as opportunities to give back to a community which has had a profound impact on his family. “RPDS & RPC have been bedrocks for my family during some turbulent times I also want to create a legacy for our children, Waller ‘24 and Nell ‘27, capturing their moment at the church and school My parents are also joining in support by purchasing a brick to show appreciation for their grandchildren's education, and to feel closer despite the distance separating them My parents believe recognizing their grandchildren with a brick will serve as a concrete symbol of their connection, closing the distance between them.”
The Cornerstone Steering Committee invites you to make a permanent mark on campus by individualizing a brick paver in support of the Cornerstone Campaign and Riverside community. The inscribed bricks, with your family’s name or in honor of a loved one, will be installed in the new walkways of the project as a lasting tribute, paving the way for generations to come For more information on purchasing bricks or additional avenues to support the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign, please contact Mary Waldroff, Chief Advancement Officer, at (904)355-5511, ext 186, or mwaldroff@rpds com Thank you for your faithful interest and involvement in the exciting months ahead!
Scan or click the QR code to complete the online form to reserve your brick today!
At RPDS’ 75th Anniversary Gala, Ted Powell won a brick auctioned off in support of the school.
RPC Youth Suite Grand Opening
Sunday, January 21, 2024 was a full Sunday in the life of Riverside! Riverside Presbyterian Church’s youth led the congregation in worship They prepared the service and proclaimed God’s word through preaching, prayer, and presiding at the Table After worship, the congregation was invited to come to the new youth space for a celebration of the Cornerstone Campaign Throughout the space, there were different activities for people to do to “leave their mark” on the space (writing questions on Jenga blocks as well as a chalkboard and a whiteboard with prompts such as, “What is a one word prayer you have for this space and these youth?” and “Write a word or two of welcome!”). The room was full of people, energy radiated throughout the spaces, and God’s presence was, indeed, felt in that place. The Rev. Lauren Scott, Associate Pastor for Youth and Families at Riverside Presbyterian Church, said a few words of welcome and expressed gratitude for the number of people who have helped make this Cornerstone Campaign happen Kristin Swiercek, RPC’s Youth Committee Chair, and Elder Anne Craig Charnley, a RPC youth member offered a few words of gratitude and excitement as well
Through this church I’ve been able to make friendships that will last a lifetime This space means more than just a space to hold Sunday school and youth group It’s a space to make relationships with God, each other and the community The photos on the walls and tv are just a small glimpse at the memories we ’ ve all made together. With this youth group, we cannot wait to make more. Our amazing youth Sunday service talks about change which goes hand in hand for what this room means to me. This room invokes change at the church and in our youth program. With new members, new youth and a new youth director, our youth were ready for a change and this is only the beginning here at riverside! We really can’t wait to worship God with a room so beautifully designed and made thanks to the robert’s and ms christi and all the people working behind the scenes Most of all we ’ re excited for this giant tv and of course the ping pong table! This room invites fellowship and love and we are so happy everyone could come and see our new space
-Anne Craig Charnley
Interested in getting involved with RPC’S Youth Program? Click or scan the QR code to learn more.
Current Giving Update
If you have any questions about ways to give or available naming opportunities, please contact Mary Waldroff, RPDS Director of Advancement, at mwaldroff@rpds.com (email) or 904.520.7564 (direct phone).
Thank You Steering Committee
Jan Andrews ‘59
Julie Baker
Ben Campen
Jed Davis, Co-Chair
Chris Haley
Mark Harbison
Ann Harrell
Ben Ketchum
Brian Lays
Cameron McVey Lucie
Karla Newton, Co-Chair
Scotty Verlander '88
Mary Waldroff
Deena Wallace ’94
