Whaley’s Dome: From fun and games to comfort and safety

Monolithic Dome Multipurpose Center — Built by Whaley United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Texas, this dome includes a 14-foot stemwall, a diameter of 108 feet and an overall height of 37 feet.

Monolithic Dome Multipurpose Center — Built by Whaley United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Texas, this dome includes a 14-foot stemwall, a diameter of 108 feet and an overall height of 37 feet.

Kitchen — The multipurpose center features a kitchen. Meals served in the dome help folks “feel at home in the dome.”

Kitchen — The multipurpose center features a kitchen. Meals served in the dome help folks “feel at home in the dome.” (Freda Parker)

Transition Foyer — Leading into the dome, the foyer has tables and chairs where people can gather, enjoy refreshments and visit.

Transition Foyer — Leading into the dome, the foyer has tables and chairs where people can gather, enjoy refreshments and visit.

The Crossing — This coffee shop sells yummy goodies and raises money for Whaley’s Children’s Ministry.

The Crossing — This coffee shop sells yummy goodies and raises money for Whaley’s Children’s Ministry.

Get informed or just relax — Furnished comfortably, this room can be used for informal meetings or just for relaxation.

Get informed or just relax — Furnished comfortably, this room can be used for informal meetings or just for relaxation. (Freda Parker)

Mezzanine — Various game tables keep teenagers and young adults busy.

Mezzanine — Various game tables keep teenagers and young adults busy. (Freda Parker)

A more serious use — During the 2007 flood, the dome’s mezzanine provided sleeping space for single males seeking shelter at Whaley.

A more serious use — During the 2007 flood, the dome’s mezzanine provided sleeping space for single males seeking shelter at Whaley.

Many uses — On an almost daily basis, Whaley’s dome is used by some church group or community organization.

Many uses — On an almost daily basis, Whaley’s dome is used by some church group or community organization. (Freda Parker)

Community entertainment — Whaley uses the dome’s stage for dramatic and musical productions. In October 2009, they were preparing to present “Our Town.”

Community entertainment — Whaley uses the dome’s stage for dramatic and musical productions. In October 2009, they were preparing to present “Our Town.” (Freda Parker)

Shelter — The American Red Cross has certified Whaley’s dome as a community shelter. When the 2007 flood hit, the dome sheltered 150 Gainesville residents and volunteer helpers for 2 weeks.

Shelter — The American Red Cross has certified Whaley’s dome as a community shelter. When the 2007 flood hit, the dome sheltered 150 Gainesville residents and volunteer helpers for 2 weeks. (Freda Parker)

Safety first! — The basketball court features versapanel walls that protect players, help with acoustics and that can be used as room dividers.

Safety first! — The basketball court features versapanel walls that protect players, help with acoustics and that can be used as room dividers.

Stage — At Sunday mornings’ contemporary worship service, a jazz band uses the dome’s stage and its 7-foot screens.

Stage — At Sunday mornings’ contemporary worship service, a jazz band uses the dome’s stage and its 7-foot screens.

Unique event — The dome’s set-up made it possible for the Zoological Society to arrange for a “Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom” presentation.

Unique event — The dome’s set-up made it possible for the Zoological Society to arrange for a “Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom” presentation.

Regulation-size court — The “Nothing but Nets” basketball players hold their tournaments in Whaley’s dome and help raise money to buy bed nets, needed in Africa to prevent deadly Malaria.

Regulation-size court — The “Nothing but Nets” basketball players hold their tournaments in Whaley’s dome and help raise money to buy bed nets, needed in Africa to prevent deadly Malaria.

Christmas Pageant — Presented in the dome, it has included live animals.

Christmas Pageant — Presented in the dome, it has included live animals.

Whaley’s newest expansion — Since its start in 1887, Whaley has undertaken many major expansion projects. Their dome is simply the latest.

Whaley’s newest expansion — Since its start in 1887, Whaley has undertaken many major expansion projects. Their dome is simply the latest.

Future plans for Whaley — They include the City of Gainesville installing wiring so the dome can use a generator in case of power failure.

Future plans for Whaley — They include the City of Gainesville installing wiring so the dome can use a generator in case of power failure.