wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Presbyterian Foundation dedicates new wing

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Note #8258 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04264
June 3, 2004

Presbyterian Foundation dedicates new wing

Additional space allows organization to consolidate operations

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE - The Rev. Philip H. Young walked into the new $3 million addition
to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation headquarters in Jeffersonville,
IN.

	Completed last month, the 11,000-square-foot wing was about to be
officially dedicated with a worship service May 21 when the former Foundation
trustee entered from the original building.

	Young stopped to take in a large stained-glass window that stretches
from the expansion's sparkling first-floor chapel to the second level.

	"Like, wow," said Young, a retired Presbyterian minister who
currently serves as President and CEO of the Covenant Presbyterian Insurance
Program in Petaluma, CA.

	"This is the kind of facility that this Foundation needs to continue
to meet the increasing needs of the denomination," Young said. "I am
delighted to be here and be present to watch this moment of looking forward."

	The Foundation, one of the largest religious philanthropies in the
nation, receives and manages financial gifts from individuals, as well as
endowments of Presbyterian churches, governing bodies and church-related
institutions. Earnings go to support Presbyterian mission and ministry.

	The new addition provides much-needed office space for the
organization, which outgrew its original 15,700-square-foot building several
years ago, according to Robert E. Leech, president and CEO of the Foundation.

	The Foundation has 70 employees who were split between the original
building and leased office space a mile away before the new two-story wing
was added.

	Now the entire staff, with the exception of the regional development
staff, is housed under one roof. The move allows the organization to
consolidate its operations.

	"It's important to have all the employees together under one roof,"
Leech said. "We were going back-and-forth between facilities. I think in
terms of working relationships and getting along together that's very
important."

	Attending the dedication were nearly 100 Foundation staff, current
and former trustees, and various PC (USA) officials.

	A choir comprised of Foundation staff belted out hymns from a second
floor mezzanine overlooking the chapel. Leading the service was the Rev. Skip
Herbert, the Foundation's development officer in Northern California.
Employees alternated in reading the litany of dedication.

	As part of the expansion, a conference room was added so the
organization can hold board meetings on site instead of having to rent
meeting space at area hotels and office complexes, Leech said.

	Work also included renovations to the original building, including
technology upgrades and ergonomic improvements. The space was recarpeted,
repainted and workspaces reconfigured as part of the effort.

	Funds for the expansion project were partially raised through an
in-house capital campaign involving trustees and staff. The remainder was
borrowed through a low interest 10-year loan.

	Money for the stained-glass window, which features the Presbyterian
seal, was donated by a Foundation trustee.

	"The building before was nice, but it really didn't have a spiritual
feeling," Leech said. "I think the window gives us more of a spiritual
connection to the church and (conveys) that the Foundation's work is tied to
the work of the church."

	James L. Shireman Inc. of Corydon, IN, was the general contractor for
the construction project with design work handled by Chet Michell of Michell
Timperman Ritz Architects of New Albany, IN.

	 A groundbreaking ceremony was held March 4, 2003.

	 The Foundation, which was established in 1799, moved to
Jeffersonville at the same time the PC(USA) moved its headquarters to
Louisville's waterfront in 1988. It located in Indiana because tax laws were
more favorable in that state at the time.

	In 1988, the Foundation had a staff of about 32 and managed assets of
$648 million. Today, the operation is responsible for assets valued at more
than $1.6 billion. It receives $30 million to $60 million each year in gifts.

	"We welcome all Presbyterians to come visit," Leech said. "We would
love to show them the Foundation and talk about the opportunities to help
serve the work of the Lord through their mission contributions."

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