You can download the introduction brochure. Below is a letter from pastor Terry Johnson.

Dear Congregation,

After many years of delays and providential events, the Session has approved taking an important strategic step: a capital campaign to address facilities and improvements that will enable us to continue ministering to a growing congregation.

A brief history will provide some perspective. In 2005, as cast iron architectural elements began falling from our historic steeple (1889), we encountered our first major delay. Thorough study and investigation revealed serious structural problems due to time and corrosion. After many months of internal structural work, the recasting and repair of the external architectural elements, the work on the steeple was finally completed in 2007. The Session agreed to use funds from the first Whitaker Campaign to do this emergency work at a cost of $708,000.00, which was far below the estimated 5 million price tag of what was projected to totally replace it.

On February 1, 2008 when the north wall of the Whitaker building came tumbling down, we were given a great opportunity to redesign the building in a way that would better serve our growing needs. Sadly, the delays and redesign have added costs to this project. Thus, the need for a new capital campaign. Over the last ten years much has been accomplished, but more needs to be done.  In addition to finishing the Whitaker Building, the Session has also identified other worthy projects that it is recommending to the congregation to support with this campaign. Included in the scope of the campaign are the following:

Whitaker Street Building  $2,715,000

When completed this building will provide ministry space for our Sunday and weekly ministries for First through Sixth Grades; middle school, high school and college. The redesign and permitting process is now completed and work will soon begin on the foundation and structure of the Whitaker Street building.

Renovation of Lane  $705,000

Beautify the lane and make it safer and more aesthetically pleasing. Broaden the sidewalk and remove the meters. Landscape the entire area and install security cameras and enhanced lightening.

Axson Building - renovate restrooms and reglaze and paint windows  $130,000

Input from the congregation has strongly suggested the need to renovate the restrooms, and the windows require maintenance every five years.

Sanctuary - recondition pews and pulpit, replace cushions  $250,000

The sanctuary was painted and a new organ installed in 2005, but the pews have not been reconditioned in quite some time. The pews are showing much fading and wear; and the cushions are well over 50 years old.

Contingency  $200,000

Total $4,000,000

Because these projects require a significant outlay of financial resources for facilities and ministry, we propose to seek God's provision through a church-wide capital campaign. Through this campaign we aim to improve the facilities that support IPC's congregation; to have a transforming influence in the city; and to continue the gospel ministry that this church by God's blessing has enjoyed right up to the present.

By way of definition, a capital campaign is a season of extraordinary financial giving in which--in addition to making regular tithes and offerings from their income--the people of God make a corporate, cheerful, prayerful, and sacrificial financial commitment to advance the gospel mission of the church.

This capital campaign has two primary objectives: first, to fulfill our mission as a church, and do more for God's kingdom through ministry and outreach than could otherwise be achieved through our regular giving; and second, to enable the congregation to grow spiritually by following biblical principles of stewardship and sacrificial living, in making gifts of accumulated wealth above and beyond our tithes and offerings. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

The campaign will kick off with a dinner for all adult members of the congregation at the Savannah Desoto Hilton on May 2, 2009. The purpose of this dinner will be to set forth the vision for what we will trust God to accomplish with this campaign. Invitations will be forthcoming soon. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive answers from the leadership. Please RSVP your reservation by April 29, 2009 to the church office. We encourage every family in the congregation to be represented. June 7, 2009 will be Commitment Sunday in which we will receive financial commitments to the campaign.

This will require a team effort. Even in the face of economic uncertainty, the vital work of the church must go on. To accommodate our growth, we need to finish what we began ten years ago. We are asking for pledges over a 3-year period. Your participation is necessary if we are to fulfill our potential in ministry for the decade ahead.

In humble obedience to our Lord and Savior, we acknowledge that what is more important than the campaign itself is the work that God will do in our minds and hearts. Therefore, we seek the continued leading of the Holy Spirit. As officers and congregation, let us commit fervently to pray for God to provide every resource we need for ministry, and to consider what sacrifices God may be calling us, His people, to make at this time for His work to the present and future generations.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Terry Johnson