As of the end of March 2018 the Follen Capital Campaign “Building for All” has exceeded its goal of $2.75 Million raised from the community (from over 210 pledges) augmented by a generous $1 Million gift for the Sonin Family Music Center – now totaling more than $3.75 Million! Yay !!
We have submitted architectural plans — more than a year in the making — to the Town of Lexington Historic District Commission (HDC). See our architectural plans here.
We hope to have a HDC decision at our scheduled hearing on April 5. In the best case, we hope to be on track for construction starting in early summer and the prospect of being moved back into our renovated, expanded, and beautiful beloved Church in 2019!
On April 8 and April 15 after church at hospitality hour, The Construction Oversight Group (COG) and CCC will have a Q & A after presenting our update architectural plans, renderings and model, probable construction schedule and financing plans.
As part of our final preparations, the CCC, COG, FHRAT, Program Council, and Parish Board have agreed to request an amount of money from the Follen Heritage Fund (The part of the endowment dedicated to maintenance and improvement of the church) to use as a contingency fund for inevitable but unpredictable extra expenses incurred in the course of construction. In order to have the most ambitious plans we can afford, and to expedite the process of beginning construction, we want to make sure we have these contingency funds secured before we begin construction. Tapping this fund requires a special approval process, two votes taken at least 30 days apart. The first vote will be April 22nd right after the service, in the sanctuary. And, the second vote will be May 23 at annual meeting.
We sincerely request your support: by attending an information session after church on April 8 or the 15; and by attending (or voting by proxy) the special first vote on April 22, and again at the annual meeting. We need a quorum present for both votes.
We are very close to the beginning of a dramatic new chapter in Follen’s history, and with your continued support we’ll make it!