One of the significant gifts of working with churches is that we have the privilege of seeing how the implementation of their vision impacts the community they serve. Peace Baptist, in Washington, D. C., recognized the need to enhance and expand their facility in order to create a welcoming, accessible entrance.  While integrating new with existing, their desire was to add brightness to contrast the dark exterior and interior of the existing building.  They wanted those who pass by to know that there is life on the inside, in order to make a present and eternal difference.
As an urban project, the size of the expansion was limited; however, every space is put to good use. The “street presence†of the building was transformed by the addition of an off-white stucco face that has a large picture window above an electronic sign that announces the activities of the week. The old entrance of the church had multiple steps to get inside. The new entrance door, now at street level, leads to a foyer from which one can rise to the worship floor on a newly installed elevator. The double doors at the front entrance are glass, and there is a large glass window above it with a cross at its center. There are two other signs to the left of the door: one gives the name of the church and the other is a black board on which messages can be changed regularly. The three new signs greatly enhance the Church’s ability to communicate with the people who walk or drive by. The brightness of the building and ability to see inside the windows invites the community inside.
The installation of an elevator is a reflection of the concern and dedication the leadership at Peace Baptist has for the elderly portion of their population. Also, new handicap-accessible bathrooms, beautifully decorated with bright tiles, were installed for the men and women. The area for fellowship was enlarged, and the walls were painted with warm, inviting colors that brighten up the entire facility. The increase in glass windows and doors has allowed the light to come in and bathe the walls with its cheeriness. Sound and vision in the worship experience has also been updated with new technology.
God sent Peace Baptist a wonderful contractor whose very name, Monarc Construction, reflects what the Church wanted to do—transform their House of God just as the caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly.
The circular, stained glass window at the center of the peak of the front face of Peace Baptist imparts the central theme of this body of believers. The dove of peace is at the center of the window. He overshadows the Church and all who pass by. He is a symbol of the mission of Peace Baptist as they make a difference in their community, bestowing peace and love to all who enter their doors.Â
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