1. How did this project get started?

We have known for a long time that our buildings – the Chapel and the Parish Center – needed extensive renovation.  However, what got us totally focused on this project was a January 2006 utility bill of $7,000!  We realized that something had to be done and probably more than a small church like MCC could handle alone.

2. What did you do then?

We contacted Lee Carter, president of the Emery Memorial.   The purpose of the Memorial is to further the legacy  of Mary Emery.  Since Mariemont is a large part of that legacy, and our two buildings a large part of historical Mariemont, we thought the Memorial may be able to help us.  After funding an initial study of the needs of the buildings, the Memorial granted us $250,000 a year for 10 years for building renovation.

3. What all needs to be done?

The Chapel needs to be air-conditioned, have the roof repaired, windows fixed, and water seepage eliminated.  Sidewalks need to be widened and repaired.  The Parish Center needs new windows, a completely new heating and air conditioning system, and an elevator.  The Parish Center also needs to be modernized – bathrooms, etc. – and adaptations made to the layout to suit the needs of today rather than the needs of the 1930’s.

4. Who owns these buildings?

MCC bought the Parish Center, then called the Recreation Building, from the Emery Memorial in 1954.  The Chapel is owned by the Memorial and leased to the church.

5. It seems that the buildings play a role in the community as well as in the life of the church.

Both of our buildings are an integral part of the community.  The Chapel is home to many significant events in the lives of the residents of Mariemont, including weddings, funerals, Christmas Eve services, Boy Scouts’ Courts of Honor, Christmas tree lightings, etc.  The Parish Center is used regularly by over 20 community organizations, including the Garden Club, Parents of Preschoolers, Destination Imagination, AA, Marielders, DAR, and also for athletic sign-ups, musical recitals, community fundraisers, and more.  The Parish Center is also home to church-sponsored, but community utilized, programs such as Boy Scout Troop 149, Vacation Bible School, and the Mariemont Preschool.  During a recent study of the buildings’ use, we tabulated that there are a total of 47,000 “people-visits” annually to the buildings. That is a very significant number considering the Village of Mariemont has  a population of 3,400 and average  Sunday morning church attendance is 175 adults.

6. Is the money from Emery covering the entire project? 

No.  We have estimated that the project will cost in excess of $4,000,000.  The Emery money is a great start but we are seeking funds from our congregation and from other foundations to make up the difference.  Community support for the preservation of these buildings is also welcome.  We see our buildings as important for three distinct reasons:  they serve the needs of the residents of the Village of Mariemont, they are vital to the ministry of the church, and they are an integral part of the nationally recognized historical district of Mariemont.

For further information about this project, please contact Don Keyes or Joy Norman through the church office or with our contact form.