WINTER 2021
SACRED PLACES
In This Issue
The Sound of a Bell and the Whisper of History 4
The story of the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg , Virginia
An Interview with The Most Reverend Dennis J . Madden , 6 Archdiocese of Baltimore
FEATURE ARTICLE :
New Dollars / New Partners : Helping Congregations 9 Maximize their Buildings for 17 Years
Are Your Stained Glass Windows Failing You ? 14
St . Edward Roman Catholic Church ( article on page 6 ).
Photo : A . Robert Jaeger
Designing the Mixed-Use Church 17
A Church Restoration as Intercultural 20 and Interreligious Solidarity
Professional Alliance Directory 23
PARTNERS FOR SACRED PLACES is the only national , nonsectarian , nonprofit organization dedicated to the sound stewardship and active community use of America ’ s older religious properties .
Partners builds the capability of congregational leadership for building care , shared use , and capital fundraising through training programs , fundraising assistance , and organizational and facility assessments . In the process , Partners becomes a trusted resource and guide as congregations examine and weigh opportunities .
Partners engages with congregations to focus on critical areas such as :
• Asset – mapping and community engagement — assisting congregations to develop new relationships with neighbors and potential community partners .
• Strategic partnerships and space sharing — brokering agreements between sacred places and arts , food justice , health , education , and social service programs .
• Planning for capital campaigns to support repairs and renovations that preserve significant historic features and make spaces usable for new community programs .
• Collaborative initiatives among unrelated congregations in a neighborhood to encourage coordinated outreach , space usage , joint marketing and interpretive events , and coordinated work with public agencies for lighting , signage , and streetscape improvements .
Cover Photograph : New Dollars training for St . James School , Philadelphia , Pa . Credit : Joshua Castaño
2 SACRED PLACES • WINTER 2021