This page will contain photographer Joel Bateman's photos of the demolition and construction process, as well as of the people involved in many different ways in bringing our collective vision to reality.
Click here for the September-October pictures of the actual Construction Process, begun on September 2, 2009, following demolition of the old buildings and preparation and testing of the soil. In this photo, taken on September 2, an eighty-foot hole is being drilled into the ground. The hole is then filled with concrete and iron rebar reinforcements. The concrete hardens to form one of the many pilings on which the foundation of the new building will rest. This process, called augercasting, is used instead of the more conventional pile driving because pile driving would create ground vibrations which could damage the sanctuary and other historic buildings and homes surrounding the church.
Click here for pictures of the Groundbreaking Ceremony, held after Sunday services on August 23, 2009. Dr. Massie introduced the ceremony with these words:
Even when our new facilities are finished and occupied, the church known as First (Scots) Presbyterian Church will not be comprised of brick and mortar, steel and glass. Rather, First (Scots) will be comprised of the people young and old who affirm and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. . . .
Isn’t that an awesome thought? You, me, we are God’s holy temple. We have been called and set apart for God’s pleasure and purposes, and God’s presence and power will become known not through the physical structure we are building that may bear God’s name, but rather through those disciples who will bear God’s image and reflect God’s presence in their very lives.
Click here for photos of the Demolition process, beginning with the demolition of the Education Annex on July 22, 2009. The picture on the right was taken on August 4, 2009. The pile of rubble contains the remains of the Education Annex and Molly Wier Hall. By August 14, 2009, demolition was complete, and preparations were being made for the groundbreaking ceremony to be held on August 23, 2009.
Click here for photos of Celebration Sunday (March 29, 2009). After the second service, the congregation processed up Meeting Street to Hibernian Hall and enjoyed a meal of thanksgiving and celebration.
Click here for photos of the Members in Ministry Fair, complete with barbeque, on Sunday, April 26. This was the last time that Chef Roland O'Neal and his helpers will host a barbecue dinner in "old" Molly Wier Hall and the adjacent parking area.