accessibility

Accessibility is a Priority

As we approached a new century, the pastor and congregation of First Baptist Church made providing accessibility to an historic, multi-level building a priority. As part of our Twenty-first Century Campaign, two lifts were added to the church so that members in wheel-chairs, as well as those who have difficulty walking, could enter our church with the dignity of not needing assistance.

We also made our deaf ministry a priority. Two of our carpenters made racks that would fit on the pews to hold the hymnals of people who needed to use their hands to sign to sing. Our self-taught interpreter also went to school to improve her signing ability. Pastor Joe also improved his sign vocabulary. We decided that the two rows in front of the choir loft would be designated for use by the deaf or hard of hearing.

In 2004, one of our members removed our old doors on the Sunday School rooms, and replaced them with sliding doors that make it easy for our students in wheel-chairs to enter their classrooms. An accessible bathroom was also installed in the Sunday School hall.

We have installed a projector and large screen in the sanctuary. Songs and other important parts of the service are projected so that those who may have a hard time hearing, or reading the small print of hymnals, can fully participate in praising and worshipping the Lord.

Our latest modification to our santuary was the alteration of pews so that people in wheelchairs can worship sitting next to their friends and family members. These pews are closest to the lift in the sanctuary.

Using the Lifts

Enter the church through the double doors on the rear section of the church, by the parking lot.

The lift will take you to Fellowship Hall.

To get to the sanctuary, make a right at the bottom of the lift, then go through the double doors on your right, into the Sunday School hall.

At the end of the hall, enter the library, on the right. Take this lift to the top to enter the sanctuary. The middle stop will take you to the vestibule, where you will find stairs.