Proposed Building Project

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

In 1887, a small group of Methodists organized in the Blythewood community and formed a church called Trinity.  Eventually this group purchased one acre of land for only $100.  These faithful Christians never imagined that their $100 investment would grow into a church of almost 1000 members on 5.5 acres with 4 buildings and 5 portables!  I doubt they could have imagined Salkehatchie Summer Service, a Cooperative Ministry office, a Child Care Center, Blythefest, OASIS Choir, Get Fit, Disciple Bible Study and Nicaragua Mission Teams.

Our ancestors in the faith planted seeds that have grown into the ministry and mission we now embrace.  What will God do with Trinity in the next 120 years?  We can only imagine.

Our church now faces a decision regarding the possible purchase of two additional acres of property on McNulty Street and the beginning of a $3,000,000 capital campaign.  Funds from the campaign will be used to develop and finance the first phases of our master plan which includes: the purchase of the McNulty Street lots, the substantial reduction of current debt, and the construction of a Christian Education Building and main building renovations.

The Building Study Committee has developed a reasonable and financially responsible plan that is based on “project triggers” which represent financial benchmarks of the amounts that would have to be raised (i.e. money-in-the-bank) before a particular phase could be undertaken.  For example, we will not move forward with architectural drawing for the new building projects until we have raised enough money to pay for the first McNulty Street Lot and paid $400,000 toward our current debt.  The attached graphic will hopefully better explain the overall process.  Also included is the most frequently asked questions about the plan.

You are invited and encouraged to be present for the following:

June 3, Wednesday 6:00pm, Fellowship Hall – The Building Study Committee will host an Open Forum for questions related to the new master plan and upcoming congregational vote.

June 7, Sunday, 12:00 noon, Sanctuary - Church Conference, Rev. Dr. Tim McClendon, District Superintendent presiding (nursery and lunch provided for infants - 5th grade)

At the Church Conference, the Building Study Committee will present a resolution to the congregation on the possible land purchase, and capital campaign. All full members present are eligible to vote.  The Discipline of the United Methodist Church does not allow absentee or proxy voting.  Full members are those who have joined on profession of faith, confirmation, transfer or re-instatement.  There is no minimum age. Summer is a busy time for all of us, but please make an effort to join us for the Open Forum on June 3rd and come out to express your opinion concerning the Building Study Committee’s plan at the June 7th congregational vote.If you have any questions or concerns, it is important that we hear from you.  Please call any member of the Building Study Committee or Ellis Farr or Rev. Cathy in the church office.May God grant us faith as small as a mustard seed, to grow his kingdom on earth.In Christ,Rev. Cathy Jamieson-Ogg                            Stuart Andrews
Senior Pastor                                                  Building Study Committee ChairmanBuilding Study Committee:
Linda Peake                              Lyn Mueller
Gale Coston                              Wally Sheridan
Chan Joye                                 Ed Farnell
Brantley Hanna                         Wayne Whittington
Brad Lorenzrtti                          Marion Brown
Bryan Hanna                            Warren Benson
Staff:    Ellis Farr, Business Administrator (786-1637 or efarr@trinityblythewood.org)
             Rev. Cathy Jamieson Ogg, Senior Pastor (786-1637 or revcathy@trinityblythewood.org)Proposed Project TimelineFrequently Asked Questions