How did Canvas Church come to be?
“Canvas Church start in my heart and mind about 10 years ago. I was a youth pastor in Eagan, MN, and my wife and I would drive down to Northfield often. We fell in love with the community and the small town feel. After being a youth pastor for 15 years, I started thinking about what was next, and staring a church felt like the next step. Feeling lead to take the next step, we began to speak to our friends and family and the biggest questions was where? I was speaking to my friend on the phone while he walking the paths by St. Olaf and asked, “When are you going to start a church in Northfield?” At that moment something opened my hear and mind to the idea, and after 3 years we launched Canvas.”
“We had moved to Northfield before starting the church, and I remember a conversation with my neighbor about what brought us to town. We told him we were starting a church. He looked at me a little strange and said ‘You know there’s a lot of churches in town right?’. We feel the type of church we are and the work we do is different.”
“On September 25th, 2011 we launched Canvas Church at Bridgewater Elementary school. Our first day we had 273 people attend. Week two is when you will really see who is interested in coming, and on week two we had 113 people. We continued to grow each year and eventually moved the portable church to the high school.”
How did you find the space that Canvas Church is located in today?
“When you are a portable church in Minnesota, people start to ask questions like ‘Are you permanent?’ or ‘Are you going to be around long-term?’. So for us that began the conversation of looking for a space to make this a permanent solution. We had a really random, awkward, amazing conversation with some people who were interested in buying the building that used to be Kmart. And that clicked for us. I had a faith piece about meeting in Kmart and always joked that we would one day build out in Kmart, because when you walk in and see the space and how open it is – it wasn’t a crazy idea. From a locational stand point everyone knew where it was. We went through the steps to sign the paperwork, then came the thought, who are we going to have build it out?”
How did you hear about NCC?
“We worked with an architect who drew up blueprints, but overall the plans were lacking, which we didn’t realize at the time. As we started talking to different construction companies, one company pointed out all the things that were lacking, and were unable to give us a bid based upon the plans. Then we began talking to NCC. We’ve known Chris for 7 years. The biggest factors for us was, they were local, we knew Chris, and the price point. He said NCC would do their best to make it happen and our of 4 quotes they came in as the most reasonable, so we signed on with NCC.”
What was it like working with NCC?
“It was so great. On this side of the project if we would’ve gone with another company it wouldn’t have been done as well, in the timeframe it was done in, and at the financial amount it was done at. They took our architectural plans that were quite poor and made it happen. I was blown away by it. There is no one I wouldn’t recommend them to. This is our home now had we had our grand opening in August.”
“It was so great. On this side of the project, if we’d gone with another company, it wouldn’t have been done as well, in the timeframe it was done in, and at the price that it was done at. They took our architectural plans and made it happen. I was blown away by it. I would recommend NCC to anyone!”
Tell Us About Canvas Church:
“At Canvas Church, your story matters. We know that there are struggles in life and we’re all doing our best to survive those struggles. But we believe that God made us for more then just struggle and survival… He made us for significance. With His guidance, we can live a significant life that adds value to everyone we come in contact with. We offer two services on Sunday mornings – 9:00 am and 10:45 am. They are identical services, just an early or late service depending on if you’re a morning person! We have an amazing kids area with a 17’ play land for kids to enjoy. We also have a nursery, pre-school and K-5 space. Wednesday nights are our youth ministry nights for grades 6-12.”
If someone is interested, what should they do to learn more about Canvas Church?
“Check out our website to learn more about who we are and our beliefs. Our Facebook page is also a great place to look for live updates on what’s happening! We also have a YouTube channel to watch or listen to our services so you can check us out before you attend. But the best way to get a feel of who we are is to walk in the door!”
Project Specs
Project Name: Canvas Church
Area: Dundas
Project Manager: Craig Vold
Site Supervisor: Jim Vold
General information: Remodel of existing building for new church with sanctuary, offices, education area, nursery and food prep kitchen. Interesting aspects of the project: Unique colors and space. Square footage: 15,500
Contractors
Architect: DJ Medin
Lumber and carpentry: Lamperts
HVAC: Keith Pumper Plumbing and Heating
Cement: D & S Cement
Cabinets: Nerstrand custom Cabinets
Flooring: General carpet By owner-Tile done by Jerrys Tile service
Plumbing: Keith pumper Plumbing and Heating
Electrical: Schulz Electric
Paint: K & D Painting and by owner
Acoustical Ceilings by: Twin City Acoustics
Elevator by: Premier
Wall and concrete floor demolition by: Mahowald Services
Drywall: Tamarack
Structural Engineers: Larson Engineering
Building Officials: City of Dundas
Testing: WSB
Structural steel and metal fabrication: Briese Iron Works
Awning: Gopher Metal Fabrication
Doors, frames and hardware: Wheeler Hardware
Aluminum store front: Custom Glass & Mirror
Gypsum board: Steve Ceplecha Drywall
Signage, toilet compartments, toilet accessories and fire extinguishers: Twin City Hardware
Fire Protection: Olympic Fire Protection