Capital Campaign
Air Conditioning Capital Campaign Matching Gift Challenge
We are pleased to announce that we have successfully met and exceeded our matching gift challenge, raising over $50,000 to fully secure the generous match offered by Deborah Patton. To date, the campaign has raised $459,560 in cash, with an additional $14,615 in outstanding pledges, placing us within striking distance of our overall $500,000 goal.
Our work is not yet finished. The installation process has encountered unexpected complexities, requiring additional time and funding to drill through bedrock for the exterior units outside Fellowship Hall. In light of these developments, let's maintain our momentum and push past the finish line.
If you have been considering a contribution, or wish to make an additional gift, your support at this critical juncture will make a significant impact.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Deborah Patton for her inspiring leadership, and to everyone who has generously contributed to this campaign so far.
Please contact David or Steve if you would like to make a pledge, if you need to know where you are in your pledge, or if you have any questions. Thank you again for your support!
Steve Berneking
540-292-2169 steve.berneking@gmail.com
Be sure to select "8089 Air Conditioning" to direct your payment properly!
A/C Capital Campaign
In April 2025, Emmanuel's Vestry passed a resolution that declared its commitment to "pursuing the installation of air conditioning in the sanctuary. for the comfort of parishioners, to welcome those who would stay away without it, and for the preservation of our historic church and organ." The need for an air-conditioned sanctuary is a necessity, not a luxury. Hotter temperatures have forced us to hold Sunday services in our basement space throughout summer. Private events such as weddings, funerals, or community gatherings cannot be hosted. The beautiful space that is expressly designed for worship and ceremony is unavailable for a good part of the year. Regulating the climate in our sanctuary is also critical to preserving our historic interior and wood organ. The church has consulted with architects and engineers to design an HVAC system that will not detract from the beauty of the interior or compromise the historic nature of our building, inside and out. The capital campaign launched in June, with a goal of $500,000. In November, approximately $310,000 in cash donations or pledges had been received. We plan to install a system so that our sanctuary will be suitable for use in the summer of 2026 for worship, music, weddings, and other gatherings. Please help us reach our goal by making an online contribution below. All gifts will support and enhance Emmanuel's capacity to welcome everyone, all year. You can also mail a contribution to EECS Capital Campaign, 300 W. Frederick St, Staunton, VA 24401. Write "AC Capital Campaign" in the check memo to be sure it is accounted for correctly. To learn more about the capital campaign, please contact our campaign co-chairs, David Greiner (davidgreiner828@gmail.com) or Steve Berneking (steve.berneking@gmail.com), or call the church office at (540) 886-8172.
A/C Installation Progress
Outdoors, the gas line has to be moved so it made sense that the gas meter moves too. It will go on a wall outside the PAX Room and we can plant vegetation to hide it. (It's ugly!) The gas company will appear shortly. While they wait, the Nielsen team pivoted to the third major part of our new system -- the fresh air unit which will go on the sacristy roof. Supporting that will be a little tricky, so they explained what's going to happen to us this week. As soon as the gas company does it's work, the Nielsen team will pivot back to the outdoor site to get those outdoor units installed ASAP. We don't need to have the fresh air unit working to turn on the a/c. Our temporary permit covers us for using it this way. Sadly, the old stone wall the gas meter was on has to come out -- it was built atop that dirt mound and nothing supports it on the street side. While a new, level wall will replace it, the stone that's on top of that wall will go on top of the new wall. The wall to hide the outdoor units that will be perpendicular to the old stone wall, will also have natural stone on top of it. The old stone from the wall will be repurposed along the sidewalk. Finally, did breaking up that rock blow through our budget? Actually it didn't. the head of our Nielsen team, figured that may have set us back $50,000 but when he added all the numbers up -- it was $24,000. We're more on track financially than we thought we would be for that. Unfortunately, shoring up the supports for the fresh air unit has given us another unexpected potential money drain. We still need any further support (new or additional gifts) for the capital campaign. Thanks to everyone that is making this possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the $500,000 cover?
The proposal for a ductless HVAC estimated $370,000-390,000 for the design, labor, and installation of eight mini-split units, two outdoor compressors, and an outdoor air unit for ventilation. That figure does not include many associated costs, such as utility work to accommodate new electrical loads; concrete work; drywall, painting or patching; and site work -- which could add as much as $100,000. Given economic uncertainty in construction industries and supply chains, we have done our best to define the total cost of the project.
Will this HVAC system detract from the beauty of the sanctuary ?
Hopefully no! There will be no overhead ductwork. There will be eight mini-split floor units placed between radiators along the walls of the sanctuary and in the back. The units are about the same size as our radiators. They will direct cool air upwards so that it will permeate the space up to 15 feet above our heads. A grill bringing fresh air into the space near the front of the nave will be painted to match the walls.
Will the new HVAC system be efficient?
Yes, HVAC systems have become more and more efficient each year. We will do our best to complement our boiler heating system that saves energy and money.
Will our utility bills be higher after the system is installed?
Yes, we will draw more electricity in the summer to operate the system, proportionate to the increased space we have available for use. At this time, we don't have those calculations but we certainly will be mindful of balancing comfort and costs.
What if you exceed your goal?
Oh, how we wish for that! If the sanctuary installation is fully funded, we will use the remaining funds to install an effective HVAC system throughout the church building. As with our worship space, more usable space can only extend our capacity for outreach and welcoming. Memorial Hall and our meeting rooms would be much in demand for a variety of uses.
What if you do not meet your goal?
As we begin this capital campaign, we haven't even begun to explore the abundance of support that our members and God have in store for us. Raising $500,000 for the installation of an HVAC system is an enormous step in preserving our building and nurturing church vitality, and we are confident that we can succeed through grants, private donations, available capital funding and any other means. If the donations cannot be used as intended, they must be returned to donors who request it.
Can I pledge to make future contributions or installments?
Yes! While we prefer to secure funds within a two-year time frame, we are happy to discuss the particulars of a designated gift.