Smithville United Methodist Church Master Plan

This congregation, like many, has a building that functions well on many levels. It was inexpensive to build, has classrooms, a kitchen, office space and a multipurpose space that serves as the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and gymnasium. These spaces have served them well but the multipurpose space lacked adequate lighting, acoustic control and HVAC. This congregation relocated from an historic church in the center of Smithville that was not accessible, did not allow for growth and had little to offer young families in terms of facilities. The master plan is intended to guide expansion in all of the above areas and most importantly to create a sanctuary space that is a sacred space and not a multipurpose space. The design uses the new sanctuary to create a courtyard space that links the existing building to the new sanctuary and creates a covered drop off that serves both. The courtyard becomes an opportunity for a sheltered garden and brings light to the spaces surrounding it. The new sanctuary is designed to be expanded in the future. The sanctuary includes lighting, audio visual equipment, and acoustic design elements. The master plan envisions a worship space that is functional, intimate, and reverent and one that can grow with the congregation. The plan provides for expanded day care, offices site amenities and parking.