The American Institute of Architects in Cleveland Honors Pilgrim Church

On Thursday evening, May 13, 2004 the Pilgrim community was recognized by local architects for “exceptional accomplishment in the areas of preservation, restoration, and maintenance of an architecturally significant building.” [Former Senior Pastor] Dr. Laurie, along with Christy Gray, who chairs our Stewards for Restoration Committee, and Dale Smith, the designer for all our recent restoration projects, accepted the award on behalf of the members of Pilgrim.

In accepting the award, Dr. Laurie said, “…thank you so much for this recognition. It means so much to us because we take so seriously our stewardship of this historic building which has been entrusted to our care by faithful generations before us. Our beautiful Romanesque building, which is one of the finest examples of the Akron Plan and filled with magnificent Victorian design, has never been a museum however. Rather, it is a community of persons of many traditions, backgrounds, and places of origin, grounded in worship and service. The graciousness, enormous size, and design of this building allow us to witness and serve in so many ways. From the Day Center for Homeless Families in our old bowling alley, to our new Wellness Center in some of our grand, old spaces, Pilgrim’s building is at the core of so much of our ministry…”

Be sure to see the framed certificate in the downstairs hallway. 

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