Topeka Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, needed more space to accommodate its growth, and the addition of an annex proved to be only a temporary solution.
The recent construction of a brand-new building not only provided much-needed capacity, but also a modern design that makes it stand out in its community.
“We love it, and everyone who comes here loves it,” said Associate Pastor Jeff Rhoades. “It’s given us the capacity to grow our worship services and add more Sunday school space.”
Designed and built using Morton Buildings’ designBUILD process, the 15,174-square-foot building is located a short distance from the original church.
It includes a spacious sanctuary that currently hosts two Sunday services, with a possible third service under consideration.
One feature the congregation appreciates is the good sound quality in the sanctuary, which is supported by perforated, sound-absorbing acoustical steel.
“There’s very little echo like that you might experience in older buildings, and that is especially beneficial for our members who are hearing-impaired,” Rhoades noted.
The sanctuary has movable chairs, so the space can also be used for banquets and other special events.
“When you are investing in a new building, having multifunctional space is very important,” Rhoades said. The building also includes a nursery, toddler room and classroom for adult learning.
Exterior design elements promote the church’s modern look, including an attractive entrance canopy, stucco siding, deep fascia overhangs and a stone wainscot.
“Our other building had a small foyer, and this time we went big,” Rhoades added. “It’s the first thing people see when they come in.”
Construction materials were also a key consideration to provide overall building quality. The new church includes Morton’s Hi-Rib steel, which provides long-lasting structural strength and dependability, an Energy Performer insulation package to support both comfort and cost savings, and a virtually maintenance-free paint system that resists fading and rust.
Adding a new church has enabled enhanced uses for the older building, including a children’s worship service and three Sunday school classrooms. There is also a mezzanine level equipped with a slide that children can ride to the ground level.
To learn more about Topeka Baptist Church, visit www.TopekaBaptist.org.
For information about Morton Buildings worship facilities, visit www.mortonbuildings.com/projects/church.
