The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference is preparing to begin a transformative renovation of its Conference Office—one that will address long-standing building needs while creating a welcoming Conference Center for clergy, laity, conference ministries, and partner organizations.

This project represents far more than a building renovation. It reflects the Conference Board of Trustees’ commitment to faithful stewardship, collaboration, accessibility, and investing in a facility that will strengthen ministry for generations to come.

From Repairs to a Renewed Vision

At the 2023 Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, members approved repairs to the Conference Office with an estimated cost of $750,000. Over the following two years, additional assessments revealed that the building’s condition had continued to deteriorate, increasing the projected repair cost to approximately $2 million.

Recognizing the responsibility to be good stewards of Conference resources, the Conference Board of Trustees, together with a dedicated Renovation Task Force and Conference leadership, carefully evaluated several options, including purchasing another facility, selling the current property and leasing office space, or investing in the existing campus.

After extensive research, financial analysis, and prayerful discernment, the Board determined that renovating the current facility would provide the greatest long-term value for the Conference.

As discussions continued, the Trustees considered an even greater opportunity. Rather than investing $2 million solely to repair an aging office building, could the project also create a central gathering place for ministry, leadership development, and collaboration?

That vision ultimately led to expanding the renovation to include dedicated gathering and shared-use spaces, transforming the Conference Office into a true Conference Center. While this increased the overall project investment to approximately $3 million, it also created a lasting resource that will serve clergy, lay leaders, districts, committees, churches, and Conference ministries for decades to come.

A Collaborative Vision

This project has been shaped through broad collaboration across the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. More than twenty leaders have participated in the planning process by providing input, asking thoughtful questions, and strengthening the vision.

The Renovation Task Force includes lay leaders representing each district, members of the Finance Committee, representatives from the Camp & Retreat Committee, members of the Cabinet, Conference staff, and the Conference Board of Trustees. Together, this diverse leadership team has evaluated every aspect of the project from financial, operational, accessibility, and ministry perspectives.

The Committee on Disability Concerns also provided valuable recommendations to ensure the renovated facility goes beyond basic ADA compliance and becomes a welcoming, accessible space for people of all abilities.

Investing in the Future of Ministry

The new Conference Center will provide a centralized location for meetings, leadership training, retreats, educational events, and ministry gatherings. It will also reduce the need to rent outside venues, creating long-term cost savings while providing a permanent home for Conference-wide events.

The renovated facility is envisioned as a shared resource belonging to the entire Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference—a place where churches, districts, committees, agencies, and partner ministries can gather, collaborate, and strengthen their shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Construction Process and Community Partnerships

The Conference Board of Trustees has established a transparent and collaborative construction process to ensure responsible stewardship throughout every phase of the project.

LAMB, a neighboring construction company and the original builder of the Conference Office, has been engaged as the Construction Manager for the renovation. LAMB will coordinate the competitive bidding process for each phase of construction, including demolition, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and specialty trades.

To ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility, a minimum of three bids will be obtained for each major scope of work. At the request of the Renovation Task Force, special emphasis is being placed on encouraging qualified women-owned and minority-owned businesses to participate in the bidding process. After carefully reviewing qualifications, experience, and value, the Task Force and Conference Board of Trustees will select contractors that best serve the Conference and its mission.

Construction Timeline

The Conference Office will officially close on July 14, with construction scheduled to begin on July 22.

In accordance with the 2023 Annual Conference Resolution, Conference staff will work remotely during the renovation. Plans are also underway to secure temporary meeting locations where staff can periodically gather for collaboration and ministry.

If construction progresses as planned, staff may return to portions of the renovated office shortly after the New Year while work continues on the new gathering spaces. The complete renovation is expected to take approximately six to nine months.

Throughout the construction period, Conference ministries and services will continue without interruption. Conference members may continue to contact staff through their regular phone numbers and email addresses, and mail service through the Conference Post Office Box will remain fully operational.

Office Furniture Available

As part of the renovation, selected office furnishings will be placed in storage while many other items will be made available to churches, ministries, and Conference members. A list of available furniture and details can be found here.

Looking Ahead

This renovation is more than an investment in a building—it is an investment in the future ministry of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. By creating a modern, accessible, and collaborative Conference Center, the Board of Trustees is providing a space where churches, clergy, lay leaders, and Conference ministries can gather, learn, worship, and serve together.

The Conference Board of Trustees is grateful for the continued prayers, encouragement, and partnership of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference as this exciting project moves forward.

Media & Project Contacts

Rev. VK Macwana
President, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Board of Trustees

Mr. Henry Moore
Conference Property Manager & Renovation Project Manager