The new sanctuary/multi-purpose building for Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church is the first of two buildings for which the five acre site was master planned.  The sanctuary portion of the building is designed around the classical profile of a narthex (entry foyer) leading into a nave (congregational seating) then up several risers to the chancel area containing the communion table, baptismal font, pulpit and an area for the choir.

The church desired that the sanctuary evoke a feeling of celebration as well as reverence.  They also preferred traditional design elements.  RSA responded with a design that is influenced by the elements of Gothic church design, an architectural style used for many years in the United Methodist Church.  A pointed arched window with stained glass at the centerline of the chancel flanked by multiple smaller rectangular windows with stained glass imbue the sanctuary with soft multiple colors.

Adjacent to the sanctuary on the first floor are rooms housing nursery and pre-k children’s functions, support spaces such as a cry room with direct observation of the sanctuary, a sound/light/audio visual control room, restrooms, storage, a large warming kitchen and the church’s administrative suite.  On the second floor are additional offices and numerous classrooms, some of which can be converted into larger gathering spaces by use of folding partitions.  The building is 15,096 square feet in total.

The second building master planned for the site will be a multi-purpose/fellowship/classroom building with a commercial kitchen.  When this second building is constructed, the second floor classrooms of the sanctuary (in the first building) will be removed and a balcony constructed in their place to provide seating for an additional 280 people in addition to the 300 plus people accommodated currently.  All facilities are designed to be ADA compliant and the building includes an elevator for convenient access to the second floor. 

At the exterior, a covered drop-off/loading canopy and covered walkway to the church is provided for convenience in inclement weather.  A large landscaped exterior court will be used for welcoming and gathering activities.  A children’s play area is provided on the south side and close to the building with good shade trees for sun protection and parents readily observing their children.  A memorial/prayer garden with seating and a water feature is provided northeast of the administrative area to provide an exterior location conducive for quiet reflection and prayer.