Capital Campaign

A dream of over a decade at NYA has been realized as we near completion of the multiyear capital project for sanctuary renovation, elevator modernization, and a new organ—the first such upgrade to our church since the late 1960s.

As we consider the multiple ways in which God speaks to us in worship, let us pause to celebrate what we have accomplished:

• The sanctuary has been renovated to include an impressive chancel with the choir space relocated from the balcony and a beautiful elevated "stage" for our communion table, baptismal font, eagle lectern and a lowered pulpit to provide more preacher-congregation intimacy during worship. Fresh paint, realigned pews for better viewing, and enhanced lighting and sound systems have wondrously transformed the worship space.

• For the first time since the early 1940s, a new state-of-the art organ and a majestic cluster of shining pipes behind the pulpit significantly enhance the quality of our music program and accentuate the inspirational artistry of the choir. Our organ builder, A. E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company of Lithonia, Georgia, has made the NYA organ a true showpiece in the nation's capital for many years to come.

• Both elevators, which date back to the 1950s and 1960s, have been fully modernized to better serve the congregation and visitors, enhancing the hospitality and accessibility of the church.

Throughout the fall and early winter, we literally watched the construction of the new organ in the chancel. From September 14 through mid-November, the Schlueter organ crew installed the organ structure, façade, and pipes, carefully working around worship times and special occasions with minimal interference.

A period of fine-tuning ("voicing") of the organ then followed, extending to the days just prior to the January 31st organ recital by noted organist Dr. Douglas Major. NYA is already slated to host the prestigious American Guild of Organists during its national convention in Washington in July 2010.

HEARTS AND POCKETBOOKS

Our ambitious stretch goal of $2,479,000 is 87.5% raised, but now comes the hard part. With the announcement of a significant bequest just received, we still have $312,500 to go.

We are asking every member and friend of NYA to search your hearts and stretch your pocketbooks to help us cross the campaign's finish line as soon as possible in 2010.

The Trustees arranged to pay the final bills to the organ builder and various contractors from the church's unrestricted endowment. We rely on these funds for immediate, nonrecurring capital needs (such as the new outside doors a few years ago); emergencies (as when a heating or cooling unit goes out); and to generate interest income to support the general operating needs of the church. The campaign has committed to paying these monies back to the unrestricted endowment as soon as possible.

As we said in 2007 at the outset of the Building Connections campaign, this bold undertaking to prepare our church for the next half century of worship in downtown Washington, DC, is an affirmation of our faith in the continuing vitality of NYAPC.

What we have accomplished is nothing less than a transformation of our worship experience, connecting the elements of worship service-preaching, singing, and enacting the Word through the sacraments-between ourselves and our work in the world-and between us and the living God.

We ask for your continued prayers as we conclude the Capital Campaign canvass. Consider completing your pledge as soon as you are able or increasing your pledge at the most generous level possible. Special designated gifts honoring or memorializing members and friends are welcome.

Please contact any member of the committee or Kitty Smith, Manager of Finance and Administration, at the church office for further information about the progress of the campaign, gift giving opportunities, and to make your gift.