Fix-the-Furnace
Capital Campaign

Our century-old parish has successfully replaced its failed steam-heat system before temperatures dropped and the snow began falling. We've also added cooling units to the new forced-air system our contractor installed.

St. George's is now a comfortable, year-round venue for worship and other community activities. However, we had to do this with borrowed money. Neither our operating income nor our limited endowment funds could cover this unexpected capital expense. But we do plan to pay back these borrowings with money raised from our parishioners – and from friends in the community who value, and use, this beautiful space!

We're also asking parishioners and friends to fund new, energy efficient windows for the Parish Hall and Resource Center so that we take maximum – think green – advantage of our investment.

Our goal is to raise $332,500 in such gifts, a sum that will cover the installation of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system and associated expenses, repay our lenders in a timely fashion and purchase energy efficient windows.

Your contribution to this effort can be made through one-time gifts or through pledges paid over three years. The amount you give is up to you – this campaign is separate from the parish's Fall Stewardship drive, which funds St. George's daily operating expenses and outreach, and lets the congregation put its treasure where its heart is. But if you benefit in any way from a worship and community space that is warm in winter and cool in summer, your financial support for this fix-the-furnace campaign will be deeply appreciated for years to come.

A Chilling History: How we got here

• The demise of the boiler and pipes that distribute steam heat to the church, parish hall, offices and Sunday school rooms began slowly, with an ever-louder "thump thump" of the pipes in recent winters, accompanied by rising maintenance costs and declining efficiency.
• By the end of last season's heating season, however, the gas fired boiler had failed altogether, and portions of the 85 year old piping system that carries steam heat from that boiler had burst, leaking sludge through ceiling tiles and on to floors. Repairs were attempted – over $13,000 was spent on them last winter – but the efforts failed.
• Heating system experts familiar with St. George's infrastructure were consulted. They recommended an entirely new system, based on forced air that could accommodate both heating and cooling needs.
• The proposal was discussed at the parish annual meeting in March and drew quick support. The Vestry then voted unanimously to proceed with a replacement, agreeing to borrow money to pay a contractor to complete the installation before November, and repay the loans through this capital campaign.
• A request for bids went out. Meyer & Depew Co., a heating and cooling contractor based in Kenilworth, submitted the lowest of three bids received, and was awarded the work, which began in August.
• John Friedlander of MHC Group NJ LLC, a veteran contractor who has worked on St. George's heating system for years, was hired as project manager.
• The Vestry, responding to concerns raised by parishioners about taking advantage of the operating-cost efficiencies promised by the new HVAC system, also decided to seek funds for replacement of the old single-pane windows in the Parish Hall and Resource Center.

What we get for $332,500: Project costs

• Install 13 high-efficiency heating and cooling systems in four, separately controlled zones: the parish hall and kitchen; the church sanctuary; the church offices; the resource center.Includes associated expenses: $241,000
• Decommission old boiler: $5,000
• Estimated cost of new, energy-saving windows: $75,000
• Contingency for campaign expenses, pledge shortfall: $11,500

How you can help

• Tax-deductible gifts of cash or stock to St. George's (a separate brochure explains the details of stock giving).
• Your pledge can be paid over three years. A special pledge card is available.
• Let us know your intentions no later than Sunday, December 11, 2011.