Caring for our historic church is a multi-phase effort.
The Sacred Spaces Committee 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 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 also gathered input from a wide range of groups in our congregation. And they worked with an architect to bring all of this information together into a recommended plan.
In the summer of 2026, we undertook Phase 2: repairing plaster, painting, and planning for the rest of the work. This work was time-sensitive: It needed to be done to keep the plaster from further deteriorating and to strategically plan the rest of the work. While we did this work, all worship met in the parish hall.
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.
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.