We Have Come a Long Way
Over the last 4–5 years, together we have accomplished some major improvements to our church home that will help ensure that we have a wonderful facility for worship, faith formation, fellowship, and programming for many years to come. We are excited to tell you that in late summer 2026, we have reached the home stretch in completing these renovations and improvements!
The Fellowship Hall, which serves our education and fellowship needs, was built in the 1960s. In recent years, several major repairs have been undertaken.
Major Improvements to Our Church Home
1Boiler Overhaul & Repair
The boiler underwent major overhaul and repair with replacement of several boiler tubes and control valves. This provides heat for both the sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall and is a long-term solution.
2Fire Alarm System Upgrade
The fire alarm system was upgraded to connect all three buildings in one system and provide notification capability to Minnehaha County emergency services dispatch if needed.
3Fellowship Hall Roof & Air Conditioning
We replaced the entire Fellowship Hall roof, which was badly deteriorated. The previous major repair was in the 1990s. With engineering consultation, we found that the roof was not designed for the weight of the rock ballast that had previously been there.
The roof-center air conditioner units were outdated, and some were no longer working and needed replacement. These problems were addressed with a roof structure that was insulated and given some peak in the center to allow for better water drainage. The old roof-center air conditioner openings were closed, and additional roof drains were added along the edge of the roof.
A modern air-conditioning system was installed to cool the Fellowship Hall with no need for central roof units. To cover the cost of this project, a special fundraising effort was successfully completed two years ago.
4Asbestos Removal
All of the asbestos from the Fellowship Hall ceilings and flooring was removed. This was accomplished through a successful grant application with technical support, and the work was fully monitored and mediated.
5Lighting Improvements
The lights had deteriorated over many years, both upstairs and downstairs. They were repaired with two-bulb LED mechanisms, using the existing fixtures and installing new light apparatus in the fixtures. This was completed at much less cost, with volunteer installation by Steve Munk and Ryan Lamer.
Preparing for the Final Phase
To accomplish these improvements, the Property Committee and the LCDR Council have explored multiple options and sought various bids to do the work well and as economically as possible.
This included putting down hard flooring in the hallways and stairway of the building and carpet in the classrooms. Bids were obtained to install drop-ceiling framework in the hallways and some classrooms. The ceilings were painted in the classrooms that did not need drop ceiling.
Upstairs in the Fellowship Hall, ceiling areas were patch plastered by Pastor Willie and the ceilings painted. Acoustic tile will be used to cover the old air-conditioner areas and also to improve the sound quality in the Fellowship Hall.
Current Fellowship Hall Repair Needs
1Upstairs Ceiling
Patch and paint the ceiling upstairs.
2Basement Ceilings
Repair basement ceilings with drop ceiling in the hallway and two classrooms, and paint the remainder of the classroom ceilings.
3Basement Flooring
Install flooring in the basement hallway and all classrooms except the quilting room and storage room.
Fellowship Hall
| Project | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kenny Acoustical — Drop ceilings in basement | $9,373 |
| CID — Flooring in basement | $39,370 |
| Painting of ceilings in basement rooms and upstairs | $7,513 |
| Window coverings for basement and upstairs windows | $1,749 |
| Acoustic tile for upstairs ceiling (estimated) | $5,891 |
| TOTAL | $63,896 |
Other Facility Needs Not Included in the 2026 Budget
In addition, other building projects have become evident that are both needed and should be done to keep up with maintenance. These were not included in the 2026 budget.
Office Air Conditioning — $6,500
The air conditioner in the office area abruptly failed in July. Several options were considered, and the repair was completed with a new AC upgrade for that area at a cost of $6,500.
Parking Lot Maintenance — $16,968
The parking lot needs maintenance to fill open cracks, apply sealant, and complete restriping. The restriping will add two handicapped parking areas near the front door.
Garbage Container Concrete — $2,500
The concrete for the garbage-container area needs repair and enlargement.
Our Fundraising Goal
To fund these projects, we hope to raise $90,000 through a special fundraising effort. The proposal is to ask for one-half of the funds during September and October 2026 and the other half during March and April 2027.
We ask that at least 300 persons give $150 each during each of these two fundraising times. This is a total of $300 per person over the two fundraising periods. This giving is above regular giving to LCDR for annual budget needs.
Annual budget giving this year has been greater each month than in 2025, except for March. We ask you to use a separate envelope that will be separately identified so that we can aggregate the fundraising information. We will not keep individual giving data.
More Than a Building
Thank you to everyone who contributes regularly to the financial needs of LCDR. Your financial support allows the church to provide ministerial programming for members of all ages and especially helps support the needs of the thriving and highly utilized youth programs.
Everyone utilizes the Fellowship Hall in some way many times during the year. LCDR and the Dell Rapids community have used the Fellowship Hall extensively throughout the years. It has been home to:
If we all contribute to this fundraising effort, the repair projects can be completed and paid for. We anticipate that the major repairs for the Fellowship Hall will then be completed, allowing us to utilize the building regularly for many activities for the next several years without the need for more major repairs.
We are grateful for the faithful use this building has provided our church and our community for years. It does take effort, but caring for this building will provide a facility for the members of LCDR and our community to have meaningful experiences, joy, and growth for many future years.
Help Us Care for Our Church Home
Together, we can finish these improvements and prepare our facilities for the ministries and gatherings still to come.
GIVE TO THE BUILDING ON FAITH CAMPAIGN