St. Paul Lutheran Church is an established congregation located near the center of the growing New Braunfels area. The church facilities consist of a stone chapel built in the late 1930's and approximately 40,000 s.f. in a large building that has been developed in stages over a number of decades. The major goals that surfaced in the master planning process focus on ministry needs for current and projected future activities.
A welcoming arrival experience from San Antonio Street is accomplished with a new addition and expansion to the fellowship hall. The expanded fellowship hall allows for greater flexibility and variety in social and recreational activities. New windows and glass doors will open up to a new courtyard space that will be served by an enlarged kitchen. The new trellised entryway leads directly to a central gathering space adjacent to the expanded sanctuary. Circulation is improved by the addition of a new entryway, elevator and gathering space that connect or lead to all the major ministry activities.
The master plan presents a concept for expanding the existing sanctuary by reorienting the main focus toward the axis of the new entry and gathering space. Additional square footage in the area of the current chancel allows for a new, more flexible chancel with expanded curved seating to create a closer and more intimate experience in worship.
The expanded two-story classroom wing is planned with the assumption that the church will continue to be adding new property. The direct connection to the re-oriented circulation and elevator will make the upstairs spaces more useful for a variety of ministry needs. The lower floor will house the expanded day school and religious education for children.
