|
“This is the kind of facility that this Foundation needs to continue to meet the increasing needs of the denomination,” Young said. “I am delighted to be here and be present to watch this moment of looking forward.”
The Foundation, one of the largest religious philanthropies in the nation, receives and manages financial gifts from individuals, as well as endowments of Presbyterian churches, governing bodies and church-related institutions. Earnings go to support Presbyterian mission and ministry.
The new addition provides much-needed office space for the organization, which outgrew its original 15,700-square-foot building several years ago, according to Robert E. Leech, president and CEO of the Foundation.
The Foundation has 70 employees who were split between the original building and leased office space a mile away before the new two-story wing was added.
Now the entire staff, with the exception of the regional development staff, is housed under one roof. The move allows the organization to consolidate its operations.
“It’s important to have all the employees together under one roof,” Leech said. “We were going back-and-forth between facilities. I think in terms of working relationships and getting along together that’s very important.”
Attending the dedication were nearly 100 Foundation staff, current and former trustees, and various PC (USA) officials.
A choir comprised of Foundation staff belted out hymns from a second floor mezzanine overlooking the chapel. Leading the service was the Rev. Skip Herbert, the Foundation’s development officer in Northern California. Employees alternated in reading the litany of dedication.
As part of the expansion, a conference room was added so the organization can hold board meetings on site instead of having to rent meeting space at area hotels and office complexes, Leech said.
Work also included renovations to the original building, including technology upgrades and ergonomic improvements. The space was recarpeted, repainted and workspaces reconfigured as part of the effort.
Funds for the expansion project were partially raised through an in-house capital campaign involving trustees and staff. The remainder was borrowed through a low interest 10-year loan.
Money for the stained-glass window, which features the Presbyterian seal, was donated by a Foundation trustee.
“The building before was nice, but it really didn’t have a spiritual feeling,” Leech said. “I think the window gives us more of a spiritual connection to the church and (conveys) that the Foundation’s work is tied to the work of the church.”
James L. Shireman Inc. of Corydon, IN, was the general contractor for the construction project with design work handled by Chet Michell of Michell Timperman Ritz Architects of New Albany, IN.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held March 4, 2003.
The Foundation, which was established in 1799, moved to Jeffersonville at the same time the PC(USA) moved its headquarters to Louisville’s waterfront in 1988. It located in Indiana because tax laws were more favorable in that state at the time.
In 1988, the Foundation had a staff of about 32 and managed assets of $648 million. Today, the operation is responsible for assets valued at more than $1.6 billion. It receives $30 million to $60 million each year in gifts.
“We welcome all Presbyterians to come visit,” Leech said. “We would love to show them the Foundation and talk about the opportunities to help serve the work of the Lord through their mission contributions.”
|
