Dayton Church Celebrating Accessibility Project Completion Sunday

After a decades long quest, the historic First Presbyterian Church of Dayton has finally completed a long-term project to make the building accessible to all.

"It's a great building but it's on four different levels," said Rev. Wendi Werner in a previous interview. "For people with accessibility issues, they can't come into worship."

The approximately $200,000 project included a three-stop lift that provides access to a handicapped accessible bathroom on the first level, a fellowship hall; church offices and accessible bathroom on the second level, and a sanctuary on the third level. 

"The church has been in conversation over 10 to 15 years about moving forward with trying to provide access to its sanctuary, fellowship hall and bathrooms for all, regardless of physical limitation," Rev. Werner said. "It's been a difficult project, as the historic structure has been built with multiple levels. Over the course of the years, the church has put on a small addition that has been designed to communicate hospitality."

This Sunday, the church will celebrate the official debut of the renovations with a a dedication this Sunday, including a special service of worship in the morning at 10 a.m. Afternoon events include a 3 p.m. ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony, a 3:30 p.m. free concert in the sanctuary and a 4:15 p.m. reception.

Featured will be a clarinet, viola and piano trio, pieces for four hands by Brahms, vocal selections and piano solos.  Music chosen has been selected to showcase the Steinway M piano recently received as a gift to the Dayton Church.

The First Presbyterian Church of Dayton is located at 362 Georges Road.