Church, theater celebrate end of construction with grand opening
August 27, 2011
"Although it has taken us a long time to raise enough funds, the new multi-use facility is substantially complete and ready to serve the Juneau community and SE Alaska performing arts groups," Michael Lukshin, Chairman of the Holy Trinity Church Council wrote in an email. Parts of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, which is downtown Juneau’s newest performance space, community meeting area and church, have been in use for more than a year and a half. But other areas remained under construction until recently. Community members, many of whom have contributed to rebuilding, are invited to tour the church, theater and meeting rooms. “We want to celebrate the end of construction and let people know we’re grateful for all their prayers and support, and we want to thank them,” said Michael Lukshin, who heads up the church’s vestry, or governing board. The original Holy Trinity church stood at the corner of 4th and Gold Streets for more than 100 years until it burned in a March 12, 2006, arson fire. Insurance, grants and community contributions allowed it to be rebuilt to contemporary standards. The Sept. 4 grand reopening includes our warmest thanks to two major grant providers, the Rasmuson Foundation and the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Alaska Episcopal Diocese Bishop Mark Lattime and Holy Trinity Rector George Silides will preside. A blessing, dedication and program of thanks will kick off the program at 1 p.m. Choral and vocal music will follow at 2. And Theatre in the Rough will preview scenes from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” its next play, at 3. Food and tours will be provided. Children’s entertainment will include a clown, chalk art and balloon animals. The church includes the sanctuary, McPhetres Hall theater and performance space, a library, a community meeting room and The Mustard Seed gift shop. It’s already been used for plays, meetings, community concerts and other events. “Our new building was designed for simultaneous rehearsals, performances, community meetings and sacred services. We want to host your performances, youth events, 12-step meetings, and worship. We want our new building to overflow with community life,” Lukshin said. The total cost of demolition, site preparation and construction of the 11,000-square-foot structure was $5 million. Donations from supporters and fund-raisers totaled $550,000. The Rasmuson Foundation contributed $500,000 and the Murdock Charitable Trust provided $200,000. Other major contributors include Theatre in the Rough, Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Northern Light United Church, Resurrection Lutheran Church, RealLife-A Four Square Church, architect Jeff Robertson and general contractor Southeast Remodel Inc. The fund-raising and rebuilding effort took more than five years. And it’s not quite finished said Lukshin. “We still have a few things left, such as completing the kitchen and the steeple,” Lukshin said. The grand opening will be held Sunday afternoon, September 4, 2011 between 1-5 pm, 325 Gold Street, Juneau, Alaska.
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Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews
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