Caring for our historic church
is a multi-phase effort.
The Sacred Spaces Committee has spent the past two years working on a plan to improve our church’s inside space: painting, fixing the plaster, improving accessibility and acoustics, and more. They’ve researched our church’s history, preservation and renovation standards, the intersection of church architecture and liturgy, accessibility issues, and similar renovations at other churches. They’ve also gathered input from a wide range of groups in our congregation. And they’ve worked with an architect to bring all of this information together into a recommended plan.
This summer, we’ll begin Phase 2: repairing plaster, painting, and planning for the rest of the work. This work is time-sensitive: It needs to be done now to keep the plaster from further deteriorating and to strategically plan the rest of the work. While we do this work, all worship will move to the parish hall.
To undertake this summer work, we need to raise $176,000 in one-time gifts, as we did with the roof project in 2023. All the vestry and committee members have committed to giving, and we hope you will too. Please give today!
Renovation Phasing
Phase 1:
Roof replacement (2023) – Complete
Scope: New slate roof on church. New shingle roof on Parish House. New copper roof on bell tower. Stone repair and repointing on church.
Phase 2:
Plaster, Paint, and Planning – Summer 2026
- Scope: Repair plaster. Paint interior walls (lighter and brighter color scheme). Begin master planning for the remainder of the work.
- Timeline: 8–10 weeks;
June–July or July–August 2026 - Worship: All worship moves to the Parish Hall.
Phase 3+:
In the future!
Scope: Reconfigure areas of the church interior to improve accessibility, acoustics, flow, and more.
Summer Funding (Phase 2)
The Phase 2 work this summer – plaster, paint, and planning – will cost about $176,000. These are funds separate from our yearly budget and pledges.
All the vestry and committee members have committed to giving, and we hope you will too!
Your one-time gift can be paid all at once, or in installments to be completed by August. For help setting up installments, contact office@stphilipsdurham.org.
Please consider a gift toward the renovations.
Together, we can ensure St. Philip’s sacred interior space
is inviting and accessible to all for years to come.
Phase 3+
What’s the Plan?
Phase 3 renovations – and beyond – are planned for the future.
At the March 15 Sunday Forum, Sacred Spaces Committee Co-Chairs Connie Semans and Liz Sappenfield shared the committee’s recommended renovations plan.
Renovation Plan Highlights
Bring the altar forward and move the choir behind. This moves celebration of the Eucharist closer to the people and creates a desired flexible space for our musicians. Communion more accessible at the broad step (all on one level). Significant safety and accessibility improvements for altar party and parishioners. Pulpit and lectern would switch places, providing visual balance for the organ console.
Relocate baptismal font to chapel: Font returns to its original location on a moveable stand for flexibility. Chapel altar area simplified – no steps. Chapel seating changed to chairs for greater flexibility. Votive candle stand moved to chapel area
Accessibility and flexibility improvements throughout the church: Removing first row of pews gives more circulation space for communion and programs. Spaces opened for accessible seating throughout the nave – not just one area. Plan for high holiday services that maximizes capacity. Reorganized sacristy includes a fully accessible bathroom, all technology and sensitive materials moved to the lockable verger’s sacristy, continued cabinetry for altar guild. Sacristy entrance made fully accessible
Also planned: Lighting, sound, and technology improvements. HVAC and building mechanical system improvements. Removal of all carpet and restoration of the wood floors (acoustic improvement). Other acoustic improvements include baffles installed on south wall and potential refinishing of ceiling.
Contact for Questions & Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Committee Co-Chairs Connie Semans or Liz Sappenfield.