Forward Project Update: November 17 - “Preserving our Past”

As we get ready to renovate our church for the future, we are also working very hard to carefully take care of our congregation’s past. A new team of volunteers is overseeing the preservation of Emanuel’s historical artifacts and archives.

Our renovation plans include the relocation of the well-loved statue of Jesus to the narthex gathering area, where the statue will be the centerpiece of a new devotional ‘chapel’ space, featured prominently as visitors arrive and especially during funeral visitations.

Other artifacts, such as the 1921 baptismal font and the altar panel of the ‘Lord’s Supper,’ will be carefully relocated to a new ‘museum nook’ in the narthex stairway mezzanine. At the same time, a large collection of church records and photographs will be inventoried and prepared for display.  

To preserve these important pieces, we are looking for volunteers to help in the preservation work, in addition to off-site storage and workspace as construction begins. If you are interested in helping with Emanuel’s history, please contact the church office to get involved.