Peoples Church Undergoes Stunning Transformation
Members contributed 90 per cent of the funds for the massive renovation and expansion.
Peoples Church on the west Mountain draws more than 1,000 people each week to Sunday services, and is home to the city’s largest single-site daycare and myriad youth sports leagues.
It was distinctive even before its $12-million expansion and renovation.
And now, it’s unlike any church you have ever seen, with a glass facade — the better to see the elaborate play area in the atrium, built in the United Kingdom — and an interactive sensory room with bubble tubes, an LED curtain and an infinity mirror, for youth with learning disabilities.
“If you seek his monument, look around you.”
Those words, in Latin, are etched on the tomb of the architect who built St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and quoted in pop culture.
And what of the eye-popping, reborn church on Mohawk Road West between Upper Paradise Road and Garth Street?
To Peoples Church pastor Tony Sawler, there is no doubt to whom it is a monument: the congregation, and by extension, the faith that inspired members to pay more than 90 per cent of the cost.
“At the end of the day, we believe like it says in the Bible, that the two greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself,” Sawler said.
“Living that out has built this church for many years … We’re motivated by a relationship with God.”
Pentecostal congregations like Peoples Church participate in tithing — gifting about 10 per cent of their income to the church.
Peoples Church executive director Willie Brown’s voice catches with emotion, reflecting on how deeply congregants have given to the project, well beyond what they choose to tithe.
“These are hardworking, middle class people who gave over and above that,” he said.
Most of those who attend the high-energy worship services — featuring modern music and a polished audiovisual production — live within a 10-minute drive of the church.
The original projected budget was $8 million, but costs increased for construction and through bumping up the square footage, plus there were unforeseen expenses from dramatically restructuring a 54-year-old building.
Brown offered kudos to Caledonia-based Schilthuis Construction and Hamilton’s DPAI Architects.
He pointed out design touches including the emphasis on “wavy” curved lines on the facade and inside the church. New ceiling lights appear halo-like in shape.
A portion of the old brown brick facade is preserved inside, painted white and illuminated by natural light.
Between the church and daycare centre, the facility is now 58,000 square feet, an increase of 15,000 square feet, while an existing 15,000 square feet was renovated.
Seating in the sanctuary increased from 500 to 700, including adding 140 seats to the renovated upper balcony, which now opens onto an entirely new upper level and event space.
Most striking of all are the new facilities for children.
The new atrium play area inside the front doors has ubiquitous green and blue padding, wood features, a slide tower, sound baffling and giant ceiling fans.
After consulting several Canadian companies that did not offer wood elements, they chose a U.K. company, paying $300,000.
The equipment in the sensory room cost $60,000. Brown said their church now offers one of the few such facilities in the Hamilton area, and the only one on the Mountain.
While programming for the room is yet to be designed, in keeping with the church’s philosophy, the space will ultimately be made available to families who cannot afford such interactive, therapeutic services, he said.
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