Project Details:
- Construction start: September 2006
- Completion date: June 2007
- Building size: 6,640 sq. ft.
- Seats in sanctuary: 200
- Multipurpose sanctuary, 2 administrative offices, 6 classrooms, nursery, warming kitchen, fellowship lobby
- Master planned for continued growth
Project Background:
Affordability and a welcoming appearance led the design of the First Baptist Church of Morris 6,640 square foot facility located in Morris, IL. Built in the 1800s, their previous facility no longer met their ministry needs. Older members were unable to attend church because the building was not handicapped accessible. They lacked modern audio visual equipment, parking, and room for expansion.
Project Results:
The new church structure features a brick and block exterior with a distinct entry canopy, conveying a better community feel. The carefully planned architecture leaves no doubt the building is a church, with a cross high above the roofline, a large arched window located in the multipurpose sanctuary, and traditional gable roof elements.
A 200 seat multipurpose sanctuary allows for flexibility of space and enabled First Baptist Church of Morris to get the most out of their budget. Layout being critical for this project, the classrooms, administrative offices, warming kitchen, and fellowship lobby were strategically placed to maximize space efficiency. Keeping the space on one level has allowed elderly members to come back to church for the first time in many years.
The master site plan allows the congregation to build a dedicated sanctuary, education wing, and expanded parking as the church continues to grow in the coming years.
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