First Presbyterian dedicates new entryway

In 1906, the pastor and ruling elders of First Presbyterian Church had serious discussions about the purchase and installation of stained glass windows.

Some thought the church would benefit from them while others believed they were not practical and too expensive. They decided to go with the windows, and for generations they have added to the beauty of the sanctuary during worship and other gatherings, said Pastor Andy Kennaly.

A similar project affecting generations took place this year and the building now has a new front entry. All the old steps, railings, and awning were removed because they were beyond repair and needed to be replaced. A capital campaign raised over $50,000. With the help of Boden Architecture a design was adopted, and Todd Vorhies served as general contractor.

The new construction includes concrete footings, steps leading to a large landing by the door, powder coated railings, and posts and beams supporting a permanent roof. The new construction ties in to the style of the historic building. One feature people notice is how the front door is now visible from the street, rather than have it obscured by the former awning.

“It really builds on the church’s desire to be open to the larger community, to be a welcoming space. Seeing the door helps overcome a structural barrier,” Kennaly said. “The new steps are both to help people come in, but also help the congregation go out and share the love of God with the world. We also like the fine touches such as the finger labyrinth on the north wall. Eventually we’ll put a bench there to invite people to contemplation.”

Many thanks goes to church members, committees, friends, groups, fundraising events, all contributing to meeting the financial goal. Thanks to Reid Weber of Boden architecture, and Todd Vorhies and his crew, along with subcontractors such as Allo Pucci who did the concrete work, and others.

“This project took a while, and it involved a lot of people, but the end result will serve the community long into the future. We are so thankful for all the support,” Kennaly said

The church celebrated the completion of the Stairway to Heaven project by dedicating the front entry, along with various elements of the Community Peace Garden. A red ribbon was cut by Cynthia Dalsing, one of the ruling elders of the church in charge of buildings and grounds. Other ribbons were cut for the gazebo and fruit tree plantings by Rotary of Sandpoint, and the new church sign and Little Free Library built by Lynn Anderson.

“The new sign is inspired by the 2017 sabbatical trip to Slovenia, as it reflects traditional construction of a hay rack used in agriculture. The timing was good, as the old sign blew away during a major wind storm last winter,” Kennaly said.

For all these projects and everyone involved, Kennaly said the First Presbyterian Church congregation is thankful as it continues a ministry which began in this community in 1903.

“Our world needs to hear a message of God’s love and be able to find a community engaged in the biblical call toward peace, inclusiveness, and justice in the name of Christ Jesus,” Kennaly said.

First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave. in Sandpoint, worships on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The church can be found online at fpcsandpoint.org.