Likewise, the community around
St. Paul’s changed dramatically over
the last hundred years. When
Sullivan’s design was built, the church
was situated at the edge of the city,
near the local fairgrounds. Later, Cedar
Rapids expanded so much that St.
Paul’s location is now seen as a part of
the larger downtown area. It is
surrounded by neighborhoods with
residents from a wide range of
economic classes. An influx of refugees
and immigrants from several African
countries is now reflected in the
church’s membership and cultural
traditions.
After a century of changes in and
around the church, St. Paul’s found
itself dealing with a facility that no
longer met its needs. Jade Hart is an
active member of the church who
served on the building committee
through the recent capital campaign.
As she explains, “Things were different
in 1913… The old entry was a
split-level, and you had to go up or
down as soon as you got in the door…
We used to have at least five entries
and people didn’t know where to go.”
In addition, worshippers needed to
cross the street from the parking lot, so
safety was a growing issue. All of this
left some members wondering if it was
time to move to a new location outside
of town.
Gathering in the sanctuary
Photo: L.J. Schneekloth Photography
Gathering spaces adjacent to sanctuary
Photo: L.J. Schneekloth Photography
Instead of relocating, St. Paul’s
made a clear decision to stay in central
Cedar Rapids, embrace its unique
facility and neighborhood outreach,
and reinvest in its downtown
community. The congregation
embarked on a multi-million-dollar
capital campaign to renovate its
buildings and reimagine how the
campus is organized to welcome
people. grant from the National Fund for
Sacred Places. The project included
thoughtful renovations of several
areas in the historic Sullivan-designed
building, including remodeling of a
central gathering space on the main
floor of the building, restoration of
historic stained glass windows, and the
fabrication of furniture using
elements of historic doors and trim
removed from the building.
In the end, the church raised over
$5 million, including nearly $1
million in historic tax credits provided
by the state of Iowa, and a $250,000 The project also included
wholesale renovation of the education
building, with a more open office plan
and better functioning classroom
spaces for music rehearsals and early
childhood education programs.
Finally, the project completely
reconstructed the connecting areas
between the two buildings, with
increased natural lighting, prominent
entryways from front and back of the
building, elevator access to all levels,
and fully accessible restroom facilities.
The result is a stunning integration of
spaces designed in three distinct eras,
with an unmistakable and welcoming
front door.
Reflecting on the changes, Jade
Hart says, “I think it’s been
life-changing.” Rev. Sherrie Ilg, Lead
Pastor, adds, “Before we never saw one
another… Now we cross paths all the
time. We have better interactions with
our staff… So it has been fantastic.”
SACRED PLACES • WINTER 2019
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