As a congregation of the United Church of Christ, Plymouth is rooted in a living tradition that values
both faithfulness and reform. The UCC affirms that God is still speaking, and that the church is always
being called to discern how its life and witness respond to the needs of the present moment.
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Our theology emphasizes extravagant welcome, the full inclusion of all people, and the belief that no
single generation owns the church. We are stewards of a sacred inheritance received from those who
came before us, and we hold that inheritance in trust for those who will follow.
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In considering changes to our sanctuary, we are not only discussing architecture, but also asking how
our physical space reflects our shared commitments to accessibility, community, beauty, justice, and
reverence. Faithful discernment requires honest listening, respect for differing experiences of worship
and spirituality, and humility about the trade-offs involved in any decision.
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1. Q: Why is Plymouth considering changes to the sanctuary?
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A: The proposed project intends to address concerns related to accessibility, sightlines, acoustics,
programming flexibility, and organ functionality, while also seeking to honor the historic and spiritual
character of the sanctuary. Organ functionality has been a long-standing concern at Plymouth, and
there has been momentum in the Congregation for over a decade to replace the organ.
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2. Q: Have any final decisions been made?
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A: Yes and no. A contract has been signed for purchase of the organ, and on January 7, 2026, a final
design template for the organ and casework was approved by Church Council subject to technical
changes and budget priorities. On January 7, Council accepted from PMC the basic design for an
expanded chancel to present to the congregation. During the called congregational meeting on
February 22nd, the congregation will vote on one of two options – to expand the chancel or to adapt
the existing chancel.
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3. Q: What accessibility improvements are being considered for the choir loft?
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A: Current plans explore the addition of a lift concealed within the organ casework to provide
access to the rear portion of the choir loft. Stairs would still be required for most access. The
proposal increases access for some choir members but does not provide full accessibility for all users,
such as wheelchair users, throughout the loft. Cost and potential noise are other concerns identified
by the PMC.
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4. Q: What accessibility options are being considered for the chancel?
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A: Three approaches have been evaluated: maintaining the current configuration; adding ramps; or
installing a lift. Each option presents trade-offs related to cost, space usage, aesthetics, noise, and
user experience. Ramps require significant space and affect seating and programming flexibility, while
lifts offer a smaller footprint but may raise concerns about noise, expense, and user acceptance. Cost
and aesthetics have also been raised as concerns by the PMC.
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5. Q: Why are sightlines an issue in the sanctuary?
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A: Some congregants currently have limited visibility of speakers and musicians. Under the proposed
design, the chancel itself would be 7 inches lower than the current chancel. The pulpit and lectern
would be pulled forward so that sightlines to the pastors and lay leaders remain, but sightlines to
the center of the chancel for events will likely be slightly more difficult than they are currently.
Sightlines to musicians and events occurring on either side of the current chancel will be somewhat
enhanced as the expanded chancel will elevate participants using these spaces by 28 inches,
allowing for better sightlines to front-row performers and more challenging sight lines for those
behind. Sightlines from the balcony will remain challenging as improvements to the balcony were
not possible in the current Enter-In Budget.
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6. Q: What are the elements of an expanded chancel (named Option B by the architects)
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A: The expanded chancel design includes a platform that is approximately seven inches lower and
substantially wider than the current chancel. It includes ramps, handrails, and wood flooring to improve
accessibility, flexibility, and acoustics.
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7. Q: How does an expanded chancel (Option B) affect usable space?
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A: The square footage used during services for various performances and activities will not change
significantly, but the extension of the chancel allows for increased space at all one height, which could
increase flexibility. There is a tradeoff between increased contiguous space and usage of the space in
front of and to the sides of the current chancel. According to the architects' measurements, the current
usable square footage is 985, and the expanded chancel will increase usable square footage to 1108.
The increase in useable space is debatable and depends on a variety of factors and
configurations.
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8. Q: What are the benefits of expanded chancel (Option B) versus our existing configuration?
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A: Benefits include improved visibility of some programming, greater flexibility in lectern placement,
prioritized accessibility, increased programming flexibility, improved acoustics from wood flooring,
and elimination of the large bottom stair that currently limits circulation.
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9. Q: What concerns have been raised about the chancel expansion (Option B)?
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A: Concerns include reduced overall chancel height as it relates to sightlines (children’s performances,
balcony sightlines, sightlines from the main floor pews, etc), complicated choir access on the south
side, possible loss of historic spatial relationships, uncertainty regarding congregational support,
and concerns that the expanded platform alters the spiritual symbolism and historic character of the
sanctuary. Concern has also been expressed about the 28” platform which currently does not include
a full railing because of the negative impactct the railing would have on sightlines.
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10. Q: What changes are proposed for the choir loft?
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A: The proposal includes lowering the choir loft by approximately ten inches, widening and flaring the
space, improving the sightlines between the organist and the choir, and removing the screen at the
top of the chancel wall, which improves the sightlines between the choir and the congregation and to
some degree, between the choir and the chancel. The flat ceiling design above the choir will enhance
acoustics and lighting for choir members.
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11. Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of lowering the choir loft?
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A: Potential advantages include improved visibility between the choir and the director, acoustic and
lighting improvements, and space for additional choir members. Disadvantages include significant
cost, construction complexity, HVAC rerouting, and limited improvement in true accessibility.
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12. Q: Why is organ casework being redesigned?
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A: PCC is purchasing a new organ, therefore new casework is needed to physically house the organ's
new pipes. This new casework design considers acoustics, lighting, historic references, reuse of
existing woodwork, and visual integration within the sanctuary. The design is intended to honor
existing architectural motifs while improving functionality and access for maintenance.
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13. Q: How does the project address historic preservation?
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A: The proposal seeks to preserve significant historic elements, including walnut wall panels,
handrails, and architectural motifs. Some features, such as the two small, round stained-glass
windows, would be covered from the inside but not removed. Concerns remain about scale,
symbolism, and the perception of change to the historic sanctuary character. The PMC has been
working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and will continue to respond to
recommendations from them. The most recent change by SHPO was on February 4th of 2025 when
the architects learned that the existing walnut wall between the chancel and the organ could not be
removed. Our final design must be approved by SHPO, but before we can pull a permit to begin
work, we must also have the approval of the local Historic Preservation Office. Plymouth is on the
National Historic Registry, so although we are working hard to maximize tax credits, even if tax credits
were not in play, we are required to work within the guidelines of these two government offices.
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14. Q: What is meant by flexibility of programming?
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A: Flexibility refers to the ability to accommodate varied worship styles, musical ensembles, liturgical
arrangements, and performances. Church staff have been asked to provide further examples of how
increased flexibility would enhance worship and programming and will be prepared to do so at the
February 11th Soup Supper.
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15. Q: How will decisions ultimately be made?
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A: Concept decisions on the chancel design will be decided by the congregation at the Called
Meeting on February 22, 2026. The remainder of the project remains in a listening and discernment
phase. All decisions involving design details will be made by the PMC and ultimately approved by
Council.
