A Letter from Rev. Richard: Music Center Construction Update

When I arrived at St. Paul’s four years and two weeks ago, I knew that the congregation, community, and campus were eager for more physical changes to campus beyond the 525 Tower. I knew there was an overall masterplan for campus. It was all about what domino would go first. Four years later, that early knowledge and the generosity of this community have turned that domino into solid concrete and steel.

I am thrilled to tell you that this past weekend a small group of our beloved choir tested the acoustics of the new Music Center. The results, even in a space with studs for walls and bare concrete for floors as you can see in the pictures, were enough to bring tears of joy. Given Canon for Music Martin Green’s announcement the previous Sunday of new opportunities for him and his family on the East coast, it was a bittersweet moment for all involved. Voices and hearts swelled with anticipation, deep care, and warmth. And this was only the beginning, filled with promise and opportunity.

Martin’s vision—which would not be possible without the help of so many wonderful donors—of a home for the Cathedral’s music ministry and to nurture talented musicians of all ages was given life with him in the venue, however briefly. I am writing this to you in the knowledge and certainty that this space will embody Martin’s vision and serve as a touchstone for the city and county’s music community.

When construction began in earnest earlier this year, the obstacles of renovating a hundred-year-old building immediately reared up, and because of our generous donors, we were able to deal with each contingency with clarity and deliberateness. From floods to uneven subfloors, and internet connectivity issues that affected AV early on, the construction team helped us to beat back each issue and stay the course for continued activity in our music programs future home.

There had been a stage at which things seemed to have slowed due to the inevitable contingency issues and how active our campus life is between our great partnership with Voices of Our City Choir, rental groups, our own events. It looked like we wouldn’t be done with construction until May of 2026. Fortunately, because of those close partnerships, the cohesive teams of St. Paul’s, Voices, and the construction group—we are now back on track for a March opening of the new facility.

There will be more opportunities for us to show gratitude for all of our donors, more opportunities to see the fruits of the gifts and labors of so many. There will be more walkthroughs and chances to bless a space that will propel our music ministry well into the future. For now, though, I hope you will join me in the excitement of what will soon be, building on the blessings of ours forebears in faith.

In gratitude and joy,
Richard