General Questions

Q. Why are we having a Capital Campaign now?

Third Church has a 180-year history of being good stewards to our mission. The key words of our vision are accessibility, hospitality, worship, and outreach. Our focus will be on the facilities, outreach programs, and the endowment. As John Wilkinson writes, "The time is now, and the needs are real and clear. More than bricks and mortar, the "Faith for the Future" campaign will nurture our church and strengthen our ability to serve and grow."

Q. Didn't we just have a campaign?

The last major campaign was 17 years ago. In 1991, the Christian Education Building was renovated and a gift made to the PC(USA) Bicentennial Fund through the "Campaign for a Faithful Tomorrow." In 1976, the Parish House was renovated and improved through the 150th Anniversary Fund. Click here for a detailed history.

Q. Why should every member participate?

Out of gratitude for our heritage, we need to wisely use our resources to provide a legacy for future congregations and the world in which Third Church lives. Individually and as a congregation, we have an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Q. So what is the church asking me to do?

Pray: for your leaders to be guided by God as they shape the future of Third Church.

Pray: for God to guide you as you and your family consider the role you will play in this historic moment in the life of Third Church.

Ask yourself as you respond from your heart:
"What role does stewardship play in my spiritual growth?"
"What does Third Church mean to me?"
"What is my share?"

Q. How did Third Church decide on the $11,473, 000 goal and allocations?

Over the past two years, church leaders have decided that the most pressing needs of Third Church center on facilities, outreach, and endowment. Nationally known consultants helped church leaders integrate these needs into a coherent plan based on realistic costs and benefits. Now, we have a unique opportunity to place Third Church in a strong and secure position for decades to come.

Q. Has the congregation been involved in the process?

In 2006, John Wilkinson and other church leaders began an extensive planning process that included surveys, focus groups, and other input from congregation, elders, and community leaders. Consultants then helped shape the many views into an overall plan. The leaders always invite suggestions and comments.

Q. Where can I see detailed plans?

A rotating display of sketches will be on display in the gallery area outside Johnston Hall.

Q. Can Third Church raise 11.4 million?

Our campaign consultant, Robert Kukla, acknowledges what we all know - that our goal and vision are very ambitious. At the same time, our needs are real and the proposal is compelling. Third Church members have a tradition of being very generous, and we hope to have 100% participation from the entire congregation. Previous campaigns have achieved their goals, and we fully expect this one will, too.

Q. Has Third Church trimmed the fat out of these large project costs?

Yes. For instance, the 50-year-old organs in the sanctuary and chapel will be restored rather than replaced. A hidden saving is that the restored instruments will cost far less to maintain for years to come. In many ways, because we haven't had a major campaign in several decades, much of the work proposed in this vision is "catch-up."

Q. How do we plan to pay for it?

Some pledges will be met in a 12-month period, but many will spread their pledges over a three year period. The pledge card will list all of these options. After the congregational visitation is complete, the campaign cabinet, in consultation with the Session and Trustees and with congregational input, will begin to set priorities. That process will happen over the summer. If we had to guess, some construction may begin in the first quarter of 2009, but this is very preliminary. A group from the Joint Budget and Finance Committee is working with the presbytery Board of Trustees to determine financing options, including the possibility of a loan.

Q. What is the administrative expense of the celebration and campaign?

The administrative cost is expected to be $20,000, less than one percent of campaign goal of $11.4 million. This is far below comparable campaigns and includes administration, planning, and printing of materials such as writing and creation of the history book. It also includes underwriting of some all-church celebration events. It does not include staff time or the tremendous contribution of hundreds of volunteers, without whom the campaign could not succeed.

Q. How does this campaign fit with the annual stewardship drive?

Most of Third Church's annual revenue is derived from the stewardship drive and directed to current programs and expenses. The capital campaign is for longer term strategic needs above and beyond the annual stewardship drive. It looks beyond the annual budgets and well into the future - to long-term financial realities that will impact the next generation, and to new initiatives that will define Third Church's ability to be a telling presence in the community and world.

Q. Who are our consultants?

Liturgical Designer Terry Byrd Eason is one of the most widely respected people working in the field today. He brings a wealth of knowledge of worship history and practice of many denominations to his work, as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of historic architecture for worship. With degrees in Environmental Design in Architecture from the School of Design at North Carolina State University, he has worked with hundreds of churches throughout the country, including many notable Presbyterian congregations. His web site is www.terrybyrdeasondesign.com.

Acoustical consultant Robert Mahoney brings expertise and extensive study of and practical experience in physics, architecture, and music to his work. With degrees in physics from Fordham University and in architecture from the University of Colorado, he has consulted around the world on many significant projects - in churches as well as other public venues. His particular sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of churches has led him to work successfully in such places as Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. His web site is www.rfma.com

For nearly thirty years, Robert J. Kukla managed the family business in the highly competitive printing industry as it grew to 175 employees and sales grew to $35 million. In 2001, Bob began a new career consulting with a wide range of churches within the denomination through the Church Financial Campaign Service of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from DePaul University, has a Master's degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, and a B.A. in Economics from Beloit College. Email him at rjkukla@sbcglobal.net.

Architect Chris Ragus currently works for Torchia Structural Engineering and Design P.C., whose offices are located adjacent to Panorama Plaza. In the 1990's, Chris worked for Handler-Grosso Engineering and was heavily involved in a comprehensive survey of Third Church that has served as the benchmark for maintenance needs ever since. He brings a depth of knowledge about Third to this project that has proven to be of outstanding value.

Chris has over 20 years of architectural design experience, and has worked on several award-winning projects, including Rochester Museum and Science Center - Elaine Wilson Hall, Lawyer’s Cooperative Publishing Corp. - Building 5, Faculty Club of the University of Rochester, and renovations and additions to the Canandaigua City Hall. In addition to architectural design, Chris has a special interest and talent in architectural rendering and photography, and his work has been published.

Q. What is the campaign timetable?

Early 2008	Advance Gift Phase
February/March	Campaign forums about the vision and proposal. Watch your mail for an invitation. Besides your alphabetically grouped gathering, an alternate date is Saturday, March 8, 9:30 a.m. (child care provided)
February 23	Forum on the Outreach component of the campaign
February 24	Forum with chief architect Chris Ragus to explore the facility plan
March 16	Forum with liturgical designer Terry Byrd Eason to explore the sanctuary plan
April 4	Festival for the Future - watch your mail for an invitation
April 6	Celebration Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worship
April 6 - May	Visiting stewards make home visits to share information and invite your prayerful consideration of a pledge
June 1, 2008	Commitment Celebration Sunday

Q. What is the history of Third Church's buildings

Third Church was organized in 1827 and has occupied several sites before dedicating the present building on May 14, 1893. Click here for more about our history.

Q. What is Third Church's historic place in Rochester?

Third Church is one of the earliest congregations in the city. It is a destination to visit by anyone interested in historic church architecture and is widely known for its beautiful sanctuary. Because of its graceful, strong presence, Third Church is a major community icon.

Q. Who is responsible for preserving Third Church's historical building?

Neither the City nor the State funds historic preservation of churches. Because Third Church maintains all of our property, from time to time we can expect large expenses of a multi-million dollar facility. Third Church is fortunate to have visionary leaders among its session and trustees who take this responsibility seriously.

Q. Do you still have overall questions about the campaign?

Click here to email your questions to a campaign leader.

Q. When will I be asked to pledge and when will I be expected to pay those pledges?

You will be asked for your pledge between April 6th and early May. We are asking you to consider a three-year commitment (2008, 2009, 2010) to the Campaign over and above your annual stewardship gift.

Q. How can I contribute in a way that is best for me?

You are encouraged to talk with your tax or estate planner for advice to fit your particular circumstance. Third Church would also be happy to work with you to define an approach. Please contact Jon Schumacher with specific questions.

Q. Can I give common stock?

Yes. If you are holding stock with accumulated capital gains, this is an excellent way to transfer wealth without tax consequences. Carol Foster can help arrange for stock transfers and can help facilitate the sale of stock certificates, as well.

Q. What about deferred gifts to the endowment, e.g., a designation in a will?

Because of the nature of the campaign and the need to start the projects, the preference is for cash gifts that can be applied to the immediate campaign goals, among which are building the endowment from over $6 million to $8.5 million. Deferred gifts will be accepted, but because they are difficult to plan for, they are not the best way to help the church achieve our short-term campaign goals. Please contact Jon Schumacher or Bill Coons if you would like to discuss.

Q. What about giving non-financial assets?

This may be possible, depending on the particular asset. Please contact Jon Schumacher for a discussion.

Q. Do you still have questions about ways to contribute?

Click here to email a member of the campaign cabinet.