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Nan: In every community, there’s a place where people gather, not for shelter, but because of the hope found inside. But even the most sacred spaces need renewal.
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Nan: Today we step inside houses of worship that are in the middle of a transformative moment. Not in their past, not in their future, but in renovation. A clear sign of progress of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. A testament to this progress are these houses of worship that are currently in renovation.
Across the United States on the west coast, Albany, Oregon, Long Beach, California, Oakland, California, San Gabriel Valley, California. Across the south, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Edinburg, Texas, Virginia Beach, Virginia. And in the Midwest, Cleveland, Ohio. To Canada, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Westmount, Calgary. Across the Atlantic, in Glasgow, Scotland, and Milan, Italy. And in Oceania, Guam, Micronesia.
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Nan: All part of the ongoing construction and renovations throughout Asia and numerous
regions worldwide.
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Nan: What does it take to turn aging chapels into vibrant houses of worship again? This is Blueprint, the framework of hope.
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Nan: The signature design and look of large magnificent INC houses of worship across the world is unmistakable. The high rising steeples, detailed facades, and molding designs, along with the Church seal and nameplate, are identifiably INC. But some may wonder why are there other INC houses of worship that look a little different? Those INC houses of worship are existing buildings that were purchased and renovated by the INC to better fit the INC design. Why renovations, you ask? Renovations aren’t just about repairs. They’re about readiness. As congregations grow, the walls must grow with them, expanding space for families, for worship, and for spiritual connection.
Raymond Frank: It’s very significant that the Church continues to purchase and renovate houses of worship, because that is really the central place that the brethren, the members of the Church, can go to worship and to serve God. Every building, every chapel that we purchase is unique in its own way. Each of them has their own unique qualities. In cold weather areas, we implement things like heated slabs, heated walkways, or heated steps to accommodate, you know, the snowfall and freezing weather. So those kinds of things we take into account when we develop the scope of work for the renovation.
Nan: Maintenance ensures safety and longevity, and beautification and care. Every fresh coat of paint, and every polished floor and every new pew is a reminder that this place matters.
Nan: Renovation begins long before the first hammer swings. It starts with vision. Architects, ministers, and congregational leaders planning and praying over every detail. Woodworking teams from across the ocean in the Philippines craft pews and pulpits designed to last for decades. Local woodworkers and contractors tirelessly craft the ceiling and wall molding designs by hand, meticulously following the design cues that have been set by the Church architect. Technology plays a vital role. Audio systems are carefully tuned so every word is clear. Video equipment enhances visibility for large congregations. Lighting is installed to
illuminate not just the pulpit and the choir loft, but the message.
It’s through these efforts that local congregations like the one in St. Paul, Minnesota were able to witness the entire process to completion.
Jay Pagaduan: It was an old building, so it’s entirely different [from] how it was before and now.
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Jessica Geis: I am extremely happy with the renovation. It’s been over two years. We’ve been having to worship in the basement or the function hall. Finally being able to worship upstairs, it was great.
Hubert Tuazon: This is our home. New beginning. That’s my feeling and also appreciation
of the past.
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Janina Pagaduan: I used to make some of the slide shows, so just looking at the before and afters with people sending me pictures. Everything’s beautiful. It feels completely different, but at the same time we’re all really happy and have been waiting for it for a long time. Extremely grateful. This opportunity is really a once-in-a-lifetime.
Hubert Tuazon: We’re so thankful because in our generation we’re able to continue on the work that has been left. We’re blessed with the beautiful house of worship and we’re able to, again, be with our families, with our friends, and share these good messages to the community.
Ariel Arellano: From the groundbreaking we are here for, we are here. We have been here welcoming the contractors also working on the renovation, up to the last minute before the dedication, we stayed here. We truly witnessed the progression of the house of worship. Now it’s so beautiful.
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Ariel Arellano: We encountered while working the fence outside and then the bystander went to us. They said that you know what, this Church before doesn’t exist and now everytime you will pass here and you need to turn your head. We were extremely happy. And that was when the chapel renovations wasn’t even fully completed yet.
Federico Nobello Jr.: To tell you the truth, when I saw everybody there, I cried right away. Because that’s what I’ve been hoping to see the chapel this way. And I know we are blessed ecause we now have a very beautiful chapel. Even everybody knows, they can see it. And we got the seal from the Philippines with our name—Church Of Christ, Iglesia Ni Cristo. And that made me so happy when I see that. I think everybody, not only me, but the whole entire congregation, the brethren, they’re all happy to see it, it happened.
Nan: In every renovation story, there are hands behind the scenes, offering time, skill, and heart. These unsung helpers are part of the framework too. Every beam and pew polished, every light set in place. The process is long, meticulous, but deeply meaningful. Because renovating a chapel isn’t just about improving a building, it’s about strengthening a community’s foundation of faith. This is renewal, this is transformation, this is the framework of hope.
Nan: Thanks for joining me on this episode of Blueprint, where in the end, everything is part of God’s plan.
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