And the Lord said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually.” Exodus 9:3
A LETTER FROM JERRY BURDEN, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CHAIR
The prayers of Nashville First Baptist Church have been answered! The patience of its members has been rewarded. The refreshed Sanctuary has been completed and the first service is scheduled for this Sunday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. A formal dedicatory service will be scheduled in the near future. Indeed, it is the hope and desire of your Property Management Committee, as the writer of Exodus proclaims, that this Sanctuary, this house is a place where our God resides with the promise that His eyes and His heart will be manifested there until Jesus returns.
On behalf of the Property Management Committee, we are grateful to every member for their expressed love and encouragement throughout this very significant project. We are most thankful for the congregation’s willingness and faithfulness to park in a different parking area, walk a little farther, climb stairs, and ride elevators to worship our God in a different setting. You are an extraordinary congregation and it is our joy to serve you! A word of appreciation should also be extended to our ministerial and support staff for their faithfulness, adaptability and flexibility throughout the renovation process. Now a word about the renewed Sanctuary.
As previously promised the integrity and unique elements of our Sanctuary were not compromised in the refreshing. However, the seating arrangement and structure were significantly modified to facilitate easier seating entry and a safer exit process. This change also allowed the uniqueness of the attractive terrazzo floor to be more effectively featured. Aisle ways were added and widened for improved safety, an increase in seating choices and to simplify ease of movement. Proper wheelchair spaces were also included. Extension and enlargement of the choir/pulpit platform will allow the orchestra to participate with the choir on the same floor level and provide additional flexibility in required arrangements for special events.
The media element was likewise given attention. Audio and video components have been significantly upgraded to a more current equipment level as related to control boards, speakers, LED video walls and necessary infrastructure to allow live streaming and video coordination in much of the campus. Theatrical lights were also upgraded and enhanced.
Nashville First Baptist congregation, these are just a few of the general improvements that have been made in the refreshing and restoring of our sanctuary. They are designed to enhance the personal worship experience, the proclaiming of Scripture in both word and song and to give an even greater opportunity to expand the outreach of our “heart of Nashville location” reaching others with the love of Christ!
So on behalf of the Property Management Committee including Heath Bush, Deidre Carver, Amy Dixon, Vic Hatridge, Katherine Kennon, Jeremy Moore, Jerry Burden and its appointed Church Representative for the renovation process, James Kennon, we say “WELCOME BACK” Nashville First Baptist Church to your refreshed and updated Sanctuary at Broadway and 7th Avenue!!!