Update

- To make a Keepers of The Light Pledge go to Welcome Keepers of The Light | Unity of the Blue Ridge (unityblueridge.org)

 

Construction News!

Special Treat for you all! 
Come fly with us at Unity of The Blue Ridge to see all the beautiful updates to our facility. Thank you Michael O'Shea for the fly over and preparing this video for us. Bless You and Everyone that contributed to our Raise The Roof Campaign and making these updates possible. Click this link to view the video on our YouTube Channel.  https://youtu.be/CkJfPducsk4

 


December 3, 2020

There’s a Bright Light(s) Shining!

We have reached the end of the lengthy construction progress!
Pictured above is our new roof with its brighter than sunshine LED lighting.  Yes, they can be dimmed to a soft glow.  The rear lawn that was disturbed during construction has now been graded, & is ready to be seeded.
Yesterday our two new skylights were installed.  That finalized the last of our renovations & construction!
What’s Next?
What remains is inspections, paperwork, a final walkthrough & acceptance!
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as there’s a myriad of obstacles.

 

November 19, 2020

  

EnLIGHTenment!
Let there be light!
Our new dimmable LED overhead lighting installation beneath our new roof is nearly complete! 
While at the church today, crews were offloading a mini-excavator.  They will be involved in trenching for our new rainwater discharge drain piping. 
What’s Next?
Once the crews bury the rainwater drain piping, they will begin grading those disturbed areas, so that we can reseed and have a green lawn once again.
Additionally, the excess soil that was excavated during the installation of the new roof’s massive footings, will be redeposited in our aspiring wildflower meadow, adjacent to the labyrinth area.  We will also be looking to schedule HVAC software training for staff and Habitat team members.  YES, our new high tech. HVAC systems will have the ability to be monitored and controlled remotely.  As in the past, Rev. Christy and Dick Allen would make countless trips into Unity to adjust temperatures and investigate system malfunctions.
Once operational, we’ll be able to monitor and make adjustments from the comfort of our homes, or from anywhere in the world!
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as there’s a myriad of obstacles.

 


 

November 12, 2020

 

Icing on the Cake
A Finishing Touch!
As many of you know, we are on the home stretch!  Finishing touches are being added throughout.  Like icing on the cake, our flat roof parapet wall was capped off with an aesthetically pleasing metal flashing!
Other areas in and around our new patio roof were flashed as well.
The electrician has been outstanding in his field; kinda like a farmer.  The remaining HVAC unit has been wired, and is humming.  Just in time for the approaching cold front.
What’s Next?
Weeeeeeell, this category will expire soon, as we are getting ready to wrap it all up in about two weeks!  The electrician will complete the wiring of the sound booth’s master sub-panel by week’s end.  His last order of business will be hanging an array of overhead lighting beneath our newly erected roof.
Until next week’s update, be safe, be well, and be blessed...
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as it’s muddy and there’s a myriad of obstacles.

November 5, 2020

  

Do We Have Snow on Our Roof?!
Hey there Dick A.  Our quilted multi-patched flat roofing has vanished!
What you are seeing above, is not snow on the roof.  It’s our new brilliant reflective white Energy Star roofing!  Our roofers have been busy all week, repairing damaged flat roof sheathing, installing new vent pipes, exhaust fans and skylight windows.  While they are wrapping up the installation of the new roofing over our existing flat roof area, other workers have completed the overhead ceiling beneath our new roof.  Since last week, our HVAC techs. and electrician have brought 4 of our 5 HVAC units on line!
What’s Next?
The roofers will wrap up our flat roof installation by early next week.  Our last HVAC unit will be wired and brought on line as well.  The electrician will also be busy hanging our new energy efficient LED overhead lighting beneath our new roof.  We might even witness some trenching around the perimeter of our concrete slab, as the new roof’s rainwater discharge is diverted and away.
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as it’s muddy and there’s a myriad of obstacles.
 

October 15, 2020

It Has Risen!!!
We Have a New Roof!
Our expansive 3000 sq.ft. roof is nearly complete!  Over the past week the structural bones were bolted and welded together.  Then a 6 inch blanket of insulation was pulled across the entire top.  Finally the metal roof panels were lowered in place, completing the upper roof surface.
The news of our new roof has taken center stage, but there has been so much more that took place since last week.  The painters have continued to do a masterful job, from staining the columns that support our main entrance portico, to painting the structural framework of our new roof.
Our electrician continues to be a Godsend; working magic with the countless electrical components that have been replaced, added, upgraded, and modified. 
What’s Next?
The new roof is standing up proudly and well anchored, but there’s still some finishing touches to be completed.  While we were drafting up the construction contract, we opted to provide a finished overhead for our new roof.  Brilliant white panels will soon span across the entire underside!  We will also be looking for color coordinated gutters and downspouts to be installed too!
Did I mention overhead lighting and the wiring for a future fan?
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as it’s muddy and there’s a myriad of obstacles.

 


 

October 8, 2020

We are Raising the Roof!!!
The Day Has Arrived!
Like a giant Erector Set, the columns and girders of our new roof are being mated up and bolted together!  Can you feel the excitement?!
On others notes, the electrician continues to install our outdoor light fixtures, and readies the wiring that will power the needs of our new roof.
Additionally, the painters have completed painting the upper reaches of the rear wall.  All of that needed to be accomplished prior to the erection of our new roof.
What’s next to come down Blessed Way?
We just received word that our new HVAC units are being readied for shipment!
Once they arrive, our original units which have been held together with prayers will be lifted off, and our new high efficient units lowered in place.
When these new units are fully operational, then the roofers can begin to tackle our existing colander-like flat roof!!!
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as it’s muddy and there’s a myriad of obstacles.

 


October 1, 2020

Beautiful new lights and new footings!

We have finally put our foot-ings down!
Foundational News!
I have good news; upon waiting days for a concrete delivery to arrive, our six new footings have finally been poured!
These are the hardened facts, with no room for ‘fake’ news.
In keeping current, the electrician has begun installing our elegant generators of dazzling illumination.
Something to Build On!
In the upcoming week, our new roof will be taking shape.  Structural columns will be anchored to their respective new footings, and then extend upwards to intersect supporting roof members. The electrician will continue his exterior journey around our church building until all 21 light fixtures are installed.
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as it’s muddy and there’s a myriad of obstacles.

September 24, 2020

Photo by Donna Brickey

Concrete Facts!

The week in review:
It has finally happened!  After a few weeks of cutting, digging, drilling, more cutting, excavating, shaping & tying rebar, forming, inspecting, waiting & waiting for a concrete delivery, and finally pouring!!!  Our 6 new footing are now curing, and awaiting the structural components of our new roof!
Stay tuned!
The up and up…  Beginning next week, our new roof will be taking shape.  Structural column members will be anchored to their respective new footing, and then extend upwards towards the heavens.
It’ll be exciting to update you further in next week’s newsletter!
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”
Please use CAUTION if you decide to walk around to the rear of the church, as it’s muddy and there’s a myriad of obstacles.

 


September 17, 2020

Is this a drill or is it happening for real?!
The week in review!
BOTH; it is a mammoth concrete boring drill!  A CCS (Concrete Cutting Specialist) weakens the existing footing, so that it can be removed to make way for our new massive footings.  Why massive?  These footings will not only bear the weight of the new roof, and any anticipated snow load, but so much more.  In the design of the new roof structure, engineers had to anticipate an uplifting wind force.  That will keep us safe, as we don’t want our new roof to become a kite!
Like an early Christmas present, our new roof structural components were delivered today!
Stay tuned!
What’s next?!  The remnants of Hurricane of Sally might turn our newly excavated holes into temporary jacuzzis, but not for long.  The crew has pumps standing by, should that happen.  The plan is to pour the concrete footings on Monday.  The concrete requires two days to set, and then the assembly of the new roof will commence!!!
We have traditionally said, “feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!”  Over the next several weeks, please refrain from walking around to the rear of the church, due to the existing hazards and uneven ground.

 


September 10, 2020

Anyone for Mini Golf?!

The week in review:
What appears to be a Mini Golf Course shaping up behind the church, is in reality the beginning process for the footings that will support our new roof.  You might say that the contractor is getting into the ‘swing’ of things!
In other areas of our renovations, the painters have done a phenomenal job of cleaning the portico’s overhead!  You will be amazed when you see it!  In addition, they continue to touch up, and finish up painting the remaining trim.
Stay tuned!  What’s next?
The electrician will be ready to energize the rear walls subpanel and accessories on Monday!
The concrete workers will continue to build and form up the footings for the new roof’s supporting columns.  Once that’s done, concrete will be poured to finalize them.
If all goes as scheduled, our new roof building package will arrive sometime next week!  How exciting is that?!
As always, feel free to drive by and take a peek of the ongoing transformation!

 


September 3, 2020

Exciting Evolution!

The week in review!

At times, it appears that work has come to a standstill.  In reality, there has much that has occurred outside of the physical labor aspect; from awaiting the arrival of a county inspector, to the process that we as a board must take to approve a ‘change order’.

With due diligence, patience and perseverance, we are now witnessing the sheathing and forward progress of our much talked about rear wall.  The wall that for many of years brought about angst and concern.

If you were to take a stroll around to the back of the church, you would notice a newly placed window, and a few access panels that had never existed before.

Stay tuned

The electricians continue their arduous journey to the electrical room, as they route a large cable above the offices, kitchen, and bathroom areas.

By the end of this week, most of the sheathing of the back wall will have already taken place.

The prep work for the new roof is still on schedule, along with new roof materials to arrive somewhere around the middle of next week!

As always, feel free to drive by and check out the progress and new color for yourselves!


August 27, 2020

The Blue in Blue Ridge Emerges! Can you identify the building above?!

The week in review:

In between and around rain showers, the painters have had things covered!

It’s no longer a mystery, as our beautiful spiritual home exudes its new color, Needlepoint Blue. 

Our new electrical panel has been installed in the soundbooth!  The purpose of this panel is to support the many electrical needs of our new roof area.

Stay tuned!

The electricians are scheduled to complete the rear wall wiring by the end of this week.  Once completed, the county building inspector will inspect all of their work.  With the inspector’s approval, the siding sub will be able to proceed with the sheathing of the wall.

In addition to the siding and electrical work, another crew will begin sawing portions of the uncovered concrete slab.  This will be in preparing those areas for the six new footing that will support our new roof.

As always, feel free to drive by and check out the progress and new color for yourselves!

 


August 19, 2020

In Our Prime!  Pictured above; painters prime our structural steel for new paint!
The week in review:
This week has belonged to the painters and electricians. 
The painters completed their pressure washing of our ginormous steel exoskeleton; removing countless presents left behind by our feathered friends over the years.
The electricians have been in the process of routing electrical cables that will power new lighting, receptacles, and provisions for overhead fans beneath our new roof!  Stay tuned!
It has been a real dance among the three sub contractors as they share the same outdoor space.  That and the weather has created a few minor delays.
Over the next several days the electrical sub will be routing a large supply cable which will power the needs of our new pavilion space.  That journey will begin from our electrical room, which is situated just behind the church’s main entrance, and run all the way to the sound booth in the sanctuary.
When completed, that will give our A/V techs. complete control of our outdoor services and events from within the soundbooth! 
As always, feel free to drive by and check out the progress for yourselves!

 


August 12, 2020

A Bird’s Eye View!  Pictured above, crews work to pressure wash and prep for new paint!
The week in review:
WOW, what a week!  Despite a few weather interruptions, the construction crews have made incredible headway!  The entire rear wall has been newly framed in order to receive the new siding!  The electricians have been in-charge, running internal wiring while the wall is open and exposed.  We are hoping that the county building inspectors will be on site Friday to inspect the new wiring, and giving us the okay to proceed with buttoning up the wall.  Stay tuned!
As you can see in the photo, the painters will be continuing to prep for our new colors.  A good portion of their prep work will be caulking every joint and crevice around the entire building.  That makes me dizzy just thinking about it!
As always, feel free to drive by and check out the progress for yourselves!

 


 

August 6, 2020

Reaching New Heights!  Pictured above, crews work to replace rotted fascia boards.
The week in review: This past week’s weather has been a bit of a game changer.  The crews have managed to work between rain showers in continuing the reconstruction of the rear wall.  A concrete footing has been poured along the entire length of the wall’s base.  From that footing upwards, an extensive framework is being erected to completely encase the existing vertical metal tubes.  That will provide for a smooth surface on which the new siding will be placed.  When finished, the church will experience a weatherproofing never experienced before!
Stay tuned:  The amount of work required to rebuild the rear wall is extensive, and will take several weeks to complete.  Once completed, the painters will paint the rear wall, and exposed structural steel exoskeleton prior to constructing the new pavilion roof structure.
As always, feel free to drive by and check out the progress for yourselves!

 


July 23, 2020

Transformation!
Construction is on track! With the exception of the rear wall & main entrance, the entire church has now been sided with new HardiePlank, and trimmed out with Miratec. The durability of this new siding and trim is accompanied by a 20 year warranty! The siding contractor is now actively engaged in rebuilding and waterproofing the church’s rear wall.
Stay tuned! Once the rear wall is complete, the painters will begin their magic throughout the exterior; from the front door to our exposed metal exoskeleton. As always, feel free to drive by and check out the progress for yourselves!

 


July 16, 2020

Construction is in full swing!

Look at our church! It is being beautifully transformed, even it its primer colored state! Our siding subcontractor will continue the extensive process of stripping the existing siding and prepping for the new HardiePlank lap siding, as they wind their way around the building. Feel free to drive through and take a peek! You'll be amazed!

Stay tuned! Next on the list will be the saw cutting of six areas on the rear exposed concrete slab. These six areas will become the new footings for the columns that will support our new roof!


 

Construction has begun!

On Tuesday, July 7th, hammers officially began swinging! Our siding subcontractor has begun the extensive process of stripping the existing siding and prepping for the new HardiePlank lap siding. Due to the enormity of the project, it is expected to be completely installed by mid-September. Stay tuned! We will keep you updated with other projects as we are informed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


On Tuesday, May 26TH two significant documents were signed!  

One - our financial loan commitment with Home Trust Bank.   This loan will allow us to immediately finance our construction, while our pledges and contributions are applied to the loan balance over the next three years.

Two - we also signed our construction contract with our General Contractor, Carolina Specialties Construction (CSC). 

Over the next three weeks CSC is focused on many of the ‘behind the scene’ administrative work; from ordering materials to obtaining permits through the county’s building department.

When Will the Construction Begin?

7/2 - 7/6  MOBILIZATION:  Support equipment (tools, dumpsters, porta-potties, etc.) are moved into place.

7/6  CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BEGIN:  Existing siding and underlayment removal will begin.  This process of removing the existing siding, and the installation of the new siding is expected to be completed by mid-August.

What About Our HVAC Replacement, TPO Roof, and New Roof Over the Patio?

We are being told that this work will be beginning early September.  This is due to the lead time it’ll take the supply chain to make these supplies available. We will continue to update you as time passes, and work progresses.

A BIG Note of Gratitude and Shoutout 

Along with the pledges and contributions of our congregation, and the Capital Campaign Committee, there have been so many others that were instrumental in delivering us to this moment.

FINANCE/LOAN COMMITTEE:  Judie McKown and Michael Winner

RtR BUILDING TEAM:  Rev. Darlene, Ellen Winner, Joe Weigner, Gayle Ray, Deanne McCollum, Tia Holmes, and Michael Morano

BOARD of TRUSTEES:  Rev. Darlene, Ellen Winner, Bobbie Flowers, Cherl Decristofaro, Brian McGrady, Gayle Ray, Sharon Oxendine, Fred Racey, Michael Morano, and former members, Deanne McCollum, Terri Crosby and Mike Chatten.