The mission of this Capital Campaign project was threefold: (1) to make the communion rail accessible to all, (2) to eliminate the multiple levels around the altar, and (3) to make a portion of our nave pews accessible to those who use walkers, sooters, or wheelchairs. We are thrilled to report that, after a year of careful discernment and planning, we are nearly at the finish line!
Our work began in 2021 with committee chair Melissa Trafton ordering preliminary plans from Warrenstreet Architects. Starting in winter 2024, she presented a series of parishioner information sessions to gather feedback and hone in on how best to reach our objectives. Warrenstreet finalized the plans based on this feedback, and the committee interviewed and received quotes from multiple local contractors. With the selection of Hopkinton resident and contractor Jason Holmes, work began in January with a goal of completion by Easter 2025.
At this writing, it looks promising that we will move back into our beloved worship space on Saturday, April 12 and be ready for the Palm Sunday service on April 13.
Things you will notice
● The majority of the varied levels around the altar and choir area have been tastefully eliminated, making it safer for the altar party and choir to navigate.
● There is a discreet ramp to the altar level for those unable to navigate stairs.
● The communion rail is now accessible to all.
● The old organ is gone. An open space awaits the arrival of the new (to us) organ in the autumn.
● There is a cut-in space for the piano, so it will no longer obstructs communion traffic.
● The red carpet from the nave and narthex has been cleaned, rebound, and repurposed.
● The baptismal font is back in its original location at the front pulpit-side of the nave.
● There is a flexible space in the back nave where the baptismal font used to be.
● The front right pulpit-side pew has an open front. Both it and the center back choir-side pew are now accessible by wheelchair, walker, or scooter.
● Kneelers for the Communion Rail are missing but will be back soon. (They are on a field trip to Vermont where they are being washed, repaired, and re-stuffed.)
We look forward to worshiping with you soon!
The Sanctuary Committee: Melissa Trafton (chair), Reed Loy, Bob Wilson, Anna Jones, Patricia Kegel, Emilie Burack
