Foundations
& Flooring
Summer 2025 Fundraising Campaign
Join us in laying a strong foundation in our church for today and future generations!
This summer we will be replacing the flooring in our Sanctuary, after finding asbestos in the tile and containing it last winter. We’ve been hard at work this past year taking time to plan, find contractors, & choose priorities. Especially when so much in the world seems less certain, we’re focusing on what will make a significant impact to the long-term capacity of our worship space. This project will:
1) Invest in the health, safety, accessibility, & hospitality of our worship space.
2) Make more room for growing audio, visual, & musical needs.
3) Establish a Hall of History in the lower level.
We Need You
Have you been part of LaSalle’s incredible story over the years? Thank You!
You’re invited to consider giving a one-time gift in May or June, to help continue our expansive, generous, justice-filled church witness, as well as prepare for our 140th Building Anniversary in 2026.
Our Giving Goals
Foundation Level
4 donors at $10,000
Pew Level
12 donors at $5,000
Spotlight Level
36 donors at $1,000
Chorus Level
100 donors at $140
Total
$150,000
Any questions about giving please contact our Finance Coordinator Katie, at 312-573-8800 ext. 823 or send her an email.
Your gifts will go toward:
95k = new tile/carpet, floors enforced, asbestos abatement, environmental test, walls refreshed, pews cared for
45k = lighting, audio, wiring
10k = history project, stage work
Your Gift Will Help Us…
Invest in the health, safety, & hospitality of our worship space
Remove asbestos tile under pews & replace all carpet/tiles
Strengthen weak/uneven stairs & floor areas that cause tripping
Replace 1-2 rows of front pews with with chairs for better ADA compliance
We’re steadily growing in attendance & want all ages well provided and cared for.
Make more room for growing audio, visual, & musical needs
Make a larger stage area for the drums/band/vocalists, install sound barrier around percussion
Put hearing aid device wiring under new carpet to support congregants
Update lighting to the stage/ceiling, improving sight for those up front and the view in-person and online
Creativity continues to be a hallmark of our worship & more room gives us more options.
Establish a Hall of History
Install a display of photos & facts in the lower level south hallway, stretching from the back door to the front Welcome Wall
Honor key movements in our history that shape our present identity
Retell part of our story visually and shape common social space
Our 140th building anniversary is next year & we’re already planning.
“Truly God is my rock & my foundation; my rest & my hope; whom shall I fear?”
— taken from Psalm 62
FAQs
What is the total project cost?
Our goal is to raise $150,000, based on the estimates we’ve received.
Who’s being invited to give?
Everyone who’s been part of LaSalle’s story in any way - past and present - is invited, to represent your part in our story!
Is this project urgent? Why now?
This project comes after we found some issues with our Sanctuary tile — specifically chipping in the flooring that could expose hazardous materials if not taken care of properly. After containing it, and testing the air to be sure it was healthy, we started plans to remedy this and not create bigger issues in the year ahead. And with our 140th Building Anniversary next year, we have a meaningful opportunity to rally the community and celebrate both the past and our growing future, by investing in our worship space. It’s a timely moment to ensure our spiritual home is safe, healthy, accessible, and prepared for ministry.
Should we be using our Building Reserve for this?
We’re grateful to have some funds in Reserve to use for down payments, but know it’s wise for a building this age to not deplete all those funds at once.
When will the work happen? Will it disrupt services?
Construction will begin June 9th and last 4-6 weeks, although we’re planning for possibly 8 weeks. We will host Sunday worship services through the summer in Leslie Hall, and will have classes, events, and more in Cornerstone without having to sacrifice any gathering together. We anticipate celebrating together in a refreshed sanctuary by the end of August at the latest.
How can I help beyond donating?
This ask is only for those with the means to donate financially. Everyone is asked to help cover this project in prayer - please pray for the funds needed, for all the workers and partners helping do this project and for the future ministry this project will empower. You can also help by spreading the word and tell friends and former church members you may know about this project. This is a community effort and we welcome all of your support.
Is giving to this project in addition to regular tithing?
Yes, gifts directed toward the Foundations project are on top of any pledge or regular giving; please indicate the gift is for Foundations either on the online drop-down menu, or by writing “Foundations” on your check memo line.
How can I make a donation?
You can donate online or via check or other methods. The easiest method is to go to our giving page and select the “Foundations & Floor” fund from the drop-down menu so your gift is designated for this project. If writing a check, put "Foundations project" in the memo. For non-cash gifts like stock, please contact us so we can assist with the transfer.
Do I have to give only at the dollar amounts listed?
No, these are only suggestions.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! All donations to the church (including this campaign) are tax-deductible. You will receive a giving statement or receipt for your donation.
Will there be recognition for donors?
In addition to our deep thanks, you will receive a print of historic LaSalle, and (if desired), be named in the Hall of History installation. If you prefer anonymity, just let us know, and we will honor that.
Honoring 140 Years with a ‘Hall of History’
Our church has a rich history dating back to the 1880s. As part of this project and in celebration of our 140th anniversary, we plan to create a Hall of History in the church:
The Hall of History will be a dedicated area along the South hallway in the Lower Level of the church with historic photos, artifacts, and stories from LaSalle Street Church’s past. Think of it as a mini-museum of our ministry impact over the years.
We will feature highlights from our Founding, Migrations, Urban Bridge, Building, and Expanding Seasons, covering 1886 - to the present.
This display will also incorporate the names of those who wish to be named as contributors to the Foundations & Flooring Project, linking your generosity to the ongoing story of our church. It’s one way we’re saying thank you and ensuring future generations know who helped preserve this sacred space.
This Hall of History is intended to be installed for the Fall 2025, in preparation of honoring our 140th Building Anniversary in 2026.