Needing to combine the church and school ministries to one campus, a master plan was developed for Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton, Illinois. A new 28,285 s.f. church building that houses a sanctuary with balcony, parish hall, administrative office suite, nursery, and children’s education space was built adjacent to the existing Bethel Lutheran School.
The new Narthex is an inviting area that serves as the church’s gathering space with a Welcome Center and a coffee and donut counter. The Sanctuary was designed specifically for the church’s three types of worship services: traditional with an organ, contemporary with a band and a combination of the two that uses all the instruments. The spaces are enhanced with exposed steel trusses at the high ceilings, and wood and stone details throughout.
How do we combine the church and school ministries to one campus?
Developed a master plan that included a new 28,285 s.f. church building with a sanctuary, parish hall, administrative office suite, nursery and children’s education space built adjacent to the existing Bethel Lutheran School.
- Large worship space with balcony
- Children's education space
- Gathering space and welcome center
- 7,000 s.f. addition to the school for future classrooms/storm refuge room
- Natural light from the clerestory highlights the 25-foot-high wall of natural stone
- Exposed steel trusses at the high ceilings; wood and stone details throughout.
- Natural stone at the exterior building corner
- Canopy tower along with brick on the exterior compliments the school’s red brick facade
St. Paul’s Church moved into an old clothing distribution center and remodeled a portion of the building to include their sanctuary and Christian education spaces. Blessed with member growth and looking to reach more of the community, St. Paul’s wanted designs for the facade that would better represent them as a church from the exterior. The design solution created a main entrance, warmed up the facade and brought the scale down to feel more welcoming.
A growing church in Bloomington, Illinois wanted to create a "safe place to explore faith." BLDD worked with Vale Church to develop a long-term plan for the future. The first step of the plan involved 29,000 s.f. and includes a modern worship space, classrooms for Christian Education, and a large gathering space. The bright and inviting gathering space helps to create a sense of belonging and acceptance to visitors and attendees. As the church grows within the community, the master plan allows for future expansion up to 100,000 s.f.
Hope Church is a 41,882 g.s.f. multi-functional worship facility which includes a 650-seat auditorium that uses drama, multi-media, and contemporary music to deliver a dynamic message. A 10,000 s.f. gym and new classrooms offer spaces for the church's youth and children ministries. Additionally, a centralized office and fellowship spaces provide a place to gather information and meet and greet visitors. This phase 1 project is part of a 110,000 s.f. master plan for the 40-acre site.