Building Re-opening Task Force Report

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Building Re-Opening Status Report

The Building Re-Opening Task Force evaluated the precautions and risks of re-opening of the church building for in-person worship and gatherings in a safe and responsible manner.

The task force reviewed several resources including recommendations from the church’s insurance company, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and PCUSA.  Comprehensive reports were provided by Gary Christensen, who has a Ph.D. in fluid mechanics and is a former president of the FPCP Trustees, and Dr. Dan Seekins, a physician specializing in infectious diseases. 

  • The Task Force identified modifications to the worship service and building use that could be made to mitigate some, but not all, risk; these modifications, however, would substantially change the form and feeling of worship.

  • Gary Christensen’s report described specific ventilation issues of the First Church building, and the lack of exchange of fresh air in both the sanctuary and Old Buttonwood Hall.

  • Dan Seekins’ report detailed the route of transmission of COVID-19 and the impact of building ventilation (or lack thereof) on the risk of members attending services in the building.

Due primarily to the lack of proper ventilation in both the sanctuary and in Old Buttonwood Hall, the Task Force’s recommendation to Session was that the building remain closed for in-person worship regardless of the phase of the opening process in Philadelphia. The task force will meet as needed to consider advances in the scientific understanding of the transmission of COVID-19, and advances in treatment and/or successful vaccine development.

Based on the report and recommendation of the task force, Session approved continuing the closure of the church building through at least Labor Day; Session will re-evaluate the closure after Labor Day.

Zoom Online Meeting Resources Available

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First Church has two Zoom accounts available for board & committee meetings as well as for online fellowship gatherings. Zoom is a video-conferencing tool that you can use with any device. 

  • If you are a committee chair or a fellowship group leader, contact Church Administrator Sue Riemann to set up an online Zoom meeting. Sue will then provide meeting information and instructions to you on how to start and lead the meeting.

  • If you are a participant in a meeting or fellowship gathering, you be sent directions on how to join the Zoom meeting using whatever device you have available—computer, tablet, or smart phone. You can even participate using audio-only by dialing in with a standard telephone.

Update - March 23, 2020

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We are a community of faith with our roots deep in the reformed tradition… that means that we seek as a body of faith to be the best citizens of our communities.  Since the time of John Calvin’s Geneva, Presbyterians have sought to be good partners with the cities in which we live and serve. In order to continue fight the spread of COVID-19 and comply with recommended measures to shelter in place, the Session of First Church has determined that the church must, for the time being, remain closed to in-person worship and other gatherings until April 20. Should circumstances change, this period of closure could be longer or shorter as conditions dictate.  Continue to check this website for the latest updates.