This rapidly expanding parish was quickly outgrowing its 1950s facilities and recognized the need to develop a road map for the future. It was determined that a new church would be built to increase capacity, expand parking, and redirect traffic flow. Improvements were made to make all buildings accessible, while creating a more cohesive campus that better integrates the existing buildings with the landscape.
Our team set out to design a campus that would respect the region’s ecclesiastical architectural history, preserve the historical roots of the site and parish, and provide comfortable, functional spaces with modern amenities.
The new church entry and narthex face the new community green, and the altar and chapel face into the landscape. This arrangement creates intimate green spaces between the buildings for future gardens and outdoor gatherings. A covered walkway connects the new and old churches, providing weather-proof passage.
Seating capacity nearly doubled, bringing parishioners closer to the altar. Locally quarried granite in the custom-made altar, ambo, tabernacle base, and font adds texture and weight to the composition.
The bright white exterior of the new church uses the traditional material language of a New England village church. Inside, light takes on a sculptural role, filtering in through the dormers and skylights to illuminate the space.
Architect LDa Architecture & Interiors
Builder A.P. Whitaker and Sons, Inc.
Liturgical Consultant G. Thomas Ryan
Photographer Greg Premru
Videographer Hawk Visuals