The Occasional Papers on Property Management Program

From the Rev. Dr. Dennis S. Tierney, Property Manager, Diocese of Olympia
January 2022

The Diocese of Olympia is pleased to announce a new program for leaders of all congregations in the diocese that will provide advice and information about property management issues of importance and interest. These occasional papers will be based on actual experiences of congregations in the diocese and will provide advice and best practices for the buildings and grounds of our respective congregations.

Background

In the Old Testament, David and his successor, Solomon, decide to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. Prior to this time, the Ark was portable and accompanied the Israelites in their years in the Sinai and then during the early decades of their time in the Holy Land. No expense was spared in the building of this temple. Years of construction ensued. And the grand day finally came when the Ark was installed in the “Holy of Holies” and the life of the temple began. What Holy Scripture leaves out of this exceptional story is the sour comments from more than one resident of Jerusalem who wondered who was going to pay for the upkeep and repairs of this grand edifice. Because fancy stonework, expensive wood trims, gold leaf, fancy vestments, and expansive courtyards all cost far more than a simple tent. Every building begins to decay the moment the building is complete. Some things have not changed in two thousand years. If you build it, it will decay.

Every congregation in our diocese has or should have a building committee or someone charged with worrying about the building. Every congregation has or should have a budget for maintenance and repairs. Every congregation has or should have plans for replacing major systems in their time and a plan for how the congregation will pay for those replacements. But not all congregations have the necessary expertise among their membership. Sometimes, people must learn “on the job.” This is where the diocese can help.

These “occasional papers” will try to address common dilemmas and problems that our congregations face as our buildings age. If anyone has topics they would like covered in these occasional papers, please contact the Property Manager, the Rev. Dr. Dennis S. Tierney. He can be reached via email at dtierney@ecww.org.

Don’t Rain on my Parade: An Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia Series

Maybe Later: The Challenges of Developing and Keeping a Maintenance Budget for Churches

Try to Remember Because Institutional Memory Matters: An Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia Series

Monetizing Church Properties: Some Guiding Principles, Occasional Paper on Property Management

Autumn Leaves: Getting Ready for Winter, Occasional Paper on Property Management

On Working Smarter, Not Harder with Church Property: Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia Series

Irrigation Systems or Irritation Systems: Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia Series

The Cheapest Way to Save Energy and Care for Creation – Insulation: Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese...

To Look as Fresh as Paint – Protect and Beautify: Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia...

Eye of Providence or Spy Among Us – Cyber Security Today: Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of...

Keys and Gates – Managing Security While Welcoming the Stranger: An Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of...

When the Earth Shakes – Earthquake Preparedness: Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia Series

Breathe on Me, Breath of God – Reflections on Safe Church Ventilation in COVID-19 Time (Updated for 2022): An Occasional...

Water, Water, Everywhere But Not a Drop to Drink: An Occasional Paper on Property Management in the Diocese of Olympia...