The client wished to resurrect the original spirit of this oustanding 19th Century German Gothic church. Over the years the lush historic colors and stenciled artwork had been obliterated by successively paler paint schemes.

Constructed in 1881, the church was not fully “decorated” until after the turn of the century when the painted ivy and stencil motifs were added. Investigation of the original designs revealed that the colors were “muddied” and did not work well with the stained glass windows. Restoration artists adjusted the colors to resonate with the tinted daylight and the other tones present in the space.

Plywood stadium seating in the balcony was replaced with pews rescued from another historic church. Solid oak doors replaced hollow metal doors in the narthex. A new projection screen, housed in the floor beneath the apse, can be raised for presentations, while the new communion rail is removable to provide added flexibility. Existing pendant fixtures in the sanctuary were modified to include up-lighting, and other lighting was integrated using multiple set dimming.

The sacristy was reconfigured with new cabinetry and plumbing, and the adjoining new vestry features transom windows all around, multiple closets for vestments, shelves for altar ornaments, and a meditation alcove with window. Vestry brick are a reclaimed variety of Watertown Bricks, manufactured locally and of the same type as the original. All original brick was cleaned and tuck pointed, and the exterior trim was painted.

The steeple was reroofed with copper and a waterproof louver system was installed in the bell tower. Architectural roofing tile with copper flashing replaces the deteriorated slate roofing. Upgraded mechanical systems include new boilers and air conditioning.