New Conference Center

Everybody needs a home and so does the South Georgia Conference

A Word about the Conference Center…

“Everybody needs a home and so does the South Georgia Conference.” This theme expresses clearly where we are in our mission and ministry in South Georgia. In order to be more effective in our efforts to make disciples for the transformation of the world we need to combine the Episcopal Offices and the Administrative Services Offices into a single home.

The project cost is $2.9 million dollars. Since there are no designated monies, we are seeking to raise the funds through private donations. This three year campaign began in June 2010. We invite every South Georgia United Methodist to consider making a gift or three year pledge to this needed Conference-wide project. Every gift counts. Join us in glorifying God and giving the South Georgia Conference a home.

-Hal Brady, Chair
Conference Center Task Force

Click here to download the Conference Center brochure

Conference Center Design

VIEW THE FLOOR PLAN

VIEW THE FRONT ELEVATION

Contributions and Naming Opportunities

VIEW GIFT ANALYSIS AND NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

To make a contribution, makes checks payable to “South Georgia Conference Center” and mail to Miriam Hagan, Director of Administrative Services, P.O. Box 52101, Macon, GA 31208.

Naming opportunities are available. For further information on naming opportunities (see list above) contact Dr. Hal Brady at 678-974-882 or hal@halbradyministries.com.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in making a financial contribution to this project, please contact Dr. Hal Brady at 678-974-882 or hal@halbradyministries.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we need a conference center?

A Task Force did a careful study of the needs of the South Georgia Conference focusing on three major areas: good stewardship of financial resources, current operational needs and future growth and ministry of the Conference.

The Conference is currently paying $53,154.00 a year to rent the Episcopal Office and the Administrative Services Office in Macon. Both of these facilities are overly crowded, have inadequate parking and are faced with security concerns. Given the current need and assuming the South Georgia Conference will grow and thrive, the Task Force recommended to the 2009 Annual Conference that we secure the land and construct a Conference Center to house the Episcopal Office and the Administrative Services personnel and provide an office for Connectional Ministries personnel when they are in Macon. (The main office of Connectional Ministries will remain at Epworth by the Sea).

2. How much will the Conference Center cost?

The total cost of the 10,600 square foot Conference Center is $2,900,000.00. The finances are to be raised by private donors and not apportionments. We appreciate the 2009 Annual Conference approving a gift to begin the project. These funds came from capital expenditure money which with interest has now accrued to $500,000.

3. Why will the conference Center be built at Wesleyan?

Wesleyan College has long been recognized as a Methodist hub and its location is widely known in Macon and throughout the South Georgia Conference. It has easy access and is convenient to the mission and ministry of the Annual Conference. Because of zoning regulations in the Wesleyan area of Macon, the Conference will construct the building on land we lease from Wesleyan for 99 years for an up-front payment and $1 per year. The North Alabama Conference has a similar relationship with Birmingham Southern.

4. Are there naming opportunities?

Yes, there are naming opportunities. To make a contribution, makes checks payable to “South Georgia Conference Center” and mail to Miriam Hagan, Director of Administrative Services, P.O. Box 52101, Macon, GA 31208.

• Building Wings $300,000 ea. (two)
• Bishop’s Suite $150,000
• Lobbying Area $25,000
• Courtyard Garden $20,000
• Workroom $10,000
• Large Conference Room $250,000
• Small Conference Room $25,000
• Kitchen $20,000
• Conference Offices $10,000 each (thirteen)
• Break-out Room $5,000

5. Who are the Task Force committee members?

Hal Brady, Chair, Brad Brady, Charlene Black, James Crosse, Nathan Godley, Waverly Golson Miriam Hagan, Ramon Hernandez, Marshall Howell, Bishop James King, Gloria Morgan, Warren Plowden, Marcus Tripp

Questions

Your comments and questions are appreciated and may be sent to Hal Brady at 678-974-882 or hal@halbradyministries.com.

A Bit of History

At the 2009 session of the South Georgia Annual Conference, the Conference approved the design, fundraising and building of a much needed 8,000 square foot Conference Center in Macon, Georgia. The proposal passed was a two million dollar project with a little over $419,000 already in hand. The remaining funds would be received from private donors and not local churches.

The Task Force named to oversee this project selected architect Bob Brown of Macon to work on the design of the building. The Task Force also selected Wesleyan College as the site of the Conference Center. Because of zoning regulations in the Wesleyan area of Macon, the Conference will buy the land, build the building and lease it from Wesleyan for $1.00 a year for 99 years. The North Alabama Conference has a similar relationship with Birmingham Southern College.

After working diligently with the Episcopal Office and Administrative Service personnel the Task Force gained strong insight as to the personnel needs of the building. Add to that future growth concerns and mechanical space for the building and you have a building larger than what was originally considered. The building needs to be 10,600 square feet rather than the original 8,000 square feet. Therefore, the Task Force will be seeking to raise approximately $2,900,000 for the project.

In February 2010, the capital campaign to raise $2.5 million in donations to fund the building of the new Conference Center officially began. With $500,000 already in hand at the time, the goal of the capital campaign is $2.5 million. All monies raised will be donated by private individuals and not through church apportionments. Cash gifts and three-year pledges will be received. Construction on the conference center will not begin until the entire $2.9 million is underwritten.

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