Community

Spring Valley Presbyterian Church

This congregation in one of Columbia’s fastest growing communities recognized it was outgrowing its existing facilities. Master planning efforts by Molten/Lamar studied current and future spatial needs of the church – outlining new construction as well as the utility of existing facilities – in a comprehensive plan for the site. The program for a new 630-seat sanctuary, with 3300 square feet of ancillary office and meeting space, evolved from that master plan.

The sanctuary was placed by the architects on the site to form a bell court – on axis with the entrances to the sanctuary and existing fellowship hall – an outdoor space where the congregation could gather informally. A second, smaller outdoor space is formed by the sanctuary, new office wing, and existing educational building.

The design for the sanctuary was in response to the congregation’s request for a traditional plan and seating arrangement, generous natural light, and a warm interior using natural materials and colors. The exterior of the church also shows interpretation of traditional forms, with expression of the cross plan and side aisles.