Our Building Project Committee includes volunteers from Blacknall who have professional backgrounds in engineering and construction. Meet the committee members. They are partnering with our architect, DTW Architects & Planners, along with engineers and contractors, to review proposed work, understand the scope of construction, and report back to the Session with recommendations for how to move forward at each step.

The project will repair and reinforce the Sanctuary’s existing roof structure rather than replace it. The work will include reinforcing the roof trusses in ways that bring the structure up to current code requirements. This approach addresses the structural needs identified by engineers while preserving the existing roof and avoiding the much greater cost and disruption of a full replacement. Additional work beyond the roof repair is not currently part of this project unless it is identified as necessary through the bid and permitting process.

Yes. Engineers have advised that the Sanctuary can continue to be used normally while the project is planned. The roof structure will continue to be monitored, and the church is moving ahead with repairs now so that the work can be completed on an appropriate timeline.

Parts of this project were already included in our five-year plan. Like many churches built about 100 years ago, regular maintenance and renovation are expected parts of caring for this space.

When renovation work was completed on the Sanctuary roof structure in 2018, engineers did not identify issues with the load-bearing beams supporting the roof. However, as weight has redistributed over time, new pressure points have developed on the existing beams. During an initial review earlier this year, engineers recommended beginning the planning process for repairs.

In spring and summer 2025, engineers assessed our roof structure before we sought bids for construction. The Session approved hiring DTW Architects & Planners in August, and a contract with the architect was signed in October. We are working with Paul Young, DTW’s president and principal architect. As of August 2026, we are ready to move forward with seeking a loan and searching for a contractor.

We will not know the final cost until bids are received and reviewed. Based on current estimates from DTW, our architect expects a repair cost of no more than $700,000. Blacknall expects to pay for $400,000 using money saved and designated for building improvement and from our Future Vision Fund, in which we save excess giving each fiscal year. The congregation will be asked to authorize a loan of up to $300,000 to cover the remaining short-term need and allow the project to move forward without unnecessary delay.

At our Aug. 30 Congregational Meeting, the congregation will be asked to approve authorization to pursue a loan of up to $300,000. This loan is a mortgage on our church property. Congregational approval is the first step required before Blacknall can apply to the Presbytery for permission to take on debt. 

After congregational approval, the request will go to the Presbytery’s Building and Property Committee and then to its Coordinating Body. We expect that process to be completed by the end of September. Moving forward now helps us avoid a delay caused by the Presbytery’s meeting schedule, which could otherwise push approval into late November and delay the project into spring 2027.

Blacknall expects to pay for most of the roof repair using cash reserves designated for building improvements, along with some money in our Future Vision Fund left over from exceeding past fiscal year budgets. However, we don’t have enough cash on hand to pay the full cost of the project upfront while also maintaining our reserves.

A loan of up to $300,000 allows us to begin needed work as soon as possible rather than delaying the project while additional funds are raised. A loan through our Presbytery Investment and Loan Program would provide more favorable terms than a conventional bank loan, including a lower interest rate, expected lower closing costs, no prepayment penalty, and a 20-year repayment term. The primary expense would be legal fees. A future capital campaign will include funds to repay the loan.

Because the property is held in trust, Presbytery approval would be required before securing a loan to help pay for the work. We are confident we can collaborate well with the Presbytery throughout the process.

No. Seeking a loan does not change Blacknall’s relationship with the PC(USA). Under Presbyterian polity, a congregation must receive Presbytery approval before taking on debt. This is part of the denomination’s system of shared oversight and accountability.

If the loan authorization process moves forward as planned, the estimated timeline is:

• August: Get authorization from Session and congregation to apply for loan

• September: Get authorization from Presbytery to apply for loan

• October: Request bids from contractors.

• October/November: Receive, review, and select a bid.

• Within 90 days of bid selection: Sign a contract while the selected bid remains valid and close on a loan.

• Late January or February 2027: Begin construction. This depends on timing of receiving permits, contractor availability, and other project conditions.

Because the project is focused on repairing and reinforcing the existing roof structure rather than replacing it entirely, it’s expected to be substantially less disruptive than the previously anticipated full Sanctuary renovation.

The exact construction schedule and any effects on worship and other church activities will be known after bids are received and a contractor is selected. We will share those details as soon as they are available.

As the Session has discussed this project, members have viewed it as an opportunity to reaffirm our call to this longtime neighborhood, which has shaped the identity and mission of our congregation for generations. While construction will be disruptive and costly, we continue to feel called to this place.

For questions, email buildingproject@blacknall.org or reach out to Pastor Goodie Bell.