On a Thursday evening, August 10th of 2023, a group of around 30 concerned residents [full
and part time] assembled at the Church structure @ 2995 Plum Lake Drive in
Sayner, WI. The purpose of this assembly was to ‘Save Our Church’.
The church building is one of the only remaining structures from the origins of Sayner. Fundraising and construction of the building began in 1916, spearheaded by Herbert Warner. Numerous local and seasonal residents were contributors to the initial funding of the church. Newspaper records indicate a dedication service occurred on Sunday, August 25th, 1917, presided over by Dr. Thomas Goodspeed. Dr. Goodspeed was instrumental in founding the University of Chicago. His son, Edgar Goodspeed is credited with authorship of the Goodspeed Bible [New Testament re-translation - some of which was authored on Goodspeed Island on Plum Lake].
The building is in dire need of structural attention to survive. The recommended renovations to ‘Save Our Church’ are listed in priority as follows:
1) The foundation of the building has significantly degraded over time. We wish to hire professionals to raise the structure to provide enough clearance for excavation and install a [partially above grade] concrete foundation with a crawl space. This would allow for inspection, replacement and installation of new floor joists under the steeple and sanctuary to stabilize and level the floor. The crawl space would allow for duct work for uniform heating of the building,
as well as water lines for outdoor water spigots.
2) The building currently has no restroom facilities. The project envisions a 20' x 30' addition to the back of the building [west gable end] to provide space for a handicap accessible restroom, a small mechanical room, a small office area and a common fellowship area with a countertop and sink. This addition would have a handicap compatible entrance on the north side of the building.
In proportion, this addition would be junior in size to the sanctuary, indented roughly 2 feet (where adjoined) from the rooftop and sanctuary walls.
The septic system would be in the back of the building, a suitable area due to its declining topography. The well, needing to be at least 50' from the septic area, would be on the north side of the building, with the main water supply traversing to the mechanical room through the crawl space.
3) Both the sanctuary and common area [the addition] would have vaulted, pine ceilings. The underside of the roof boards would be spray foamed @ 3 inches to provide insulation and increase structural integrity. Recessed dimmable LED lighting, ceiling fans, and speakers would be incorporated into the ceilings.
4) The rim joist on the buildings’ perimeter and the exterior walls of the addition would also be insulated with spray foam.
5) The existing windows are in need of replacement and will match those on the addition.
6) The historic stone concrete steps at the front entrance would be elevated to be more visible and level with the steeple floor entrance.
7) Gutters and down spouts would be installed on the eave ends to keep runoff away from the new foundation.
8) A 4' wide concrete sidewalk would run the length of the north side of the building, with a connected walkway to the front entrance.
9) The parking area would be on the north side of the building. The final layout for this would be determined after the previous improvements are made.
10) An outdoor sanctuary area is envisioned in the rear of the property. The lot gradually declines in grade, which would make the alter area easily visible from all proposed seating.
