Church of the Incarnation nearing the end of its reconstruction
Since November 2020, The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation has been hard at work expanding its walls to accommodate parishioners and beautify the sanctuary.
Now in 2022, Rev. Bentley Manning said the end is in sight and parishioners are excited to hold services in the new church.
“This project has taken a little more time than we expected in the beginning,” Manning said. “There are lots of elements and pieces that require a lot of coordination.”
One aspect of the expansion that Manning said was crucial was having additional seating in the main sanctuary.
“We are really looking forward to getting back into our main sanctuary and having that extra room for our congregation and for visitors alike,” Manning said. “We would have long seasons where we would put people in overflow, and they would be watching on a television screen. The new space will allow us to all be together in the main sanctuary. That is something that is a big part of this project.”
Another aspect that Manning said parishioners will be excited about is the sacred imagery, symbolism and beauty that has been added to the newly renovated church.
“Some of that you can see from the outside,” Manning said. “People can see the new bell tower, spire and red doors. A lot of the sacred art that we are introducing into the space can’t be seen unless you are inside the building. That is a piece of the project that folks haven’t been able to see yet. Even people within our parish haven’t been able to see that.”
By adding the art and beautification to the church, Manning said they have been able to work with artisans from all over the world.
“We have worked with carvers, painters, blacksmiths and the list goes on,” Manning said. “Bringing these artisans in and bringing that sacred art to the sanctuary helps the space be a little more reflective of the Anglican tradition of having beautiful worship spaces.”
When parishioners or visitors step into the newly renovated church, Manning said he hopes that feel as if they have stepped into a different world.
“What I hope people feel whenever they step into the new church is that they feel like they have stepped into a new, different space,” Manning said. “As if they are walking into a different world. That world is one where God’s presence is known and felt.”
Since November 2020, the congregation has been worshipping in the Church of Incarnation’s historic chapel, and the church offices relocated to an office on Main Street above the Highland Hiker. Manning said parishioners are excited to be able to go back into the main sanctuary when it is ready.
“We’ve been having to do three services on Sunday morning to make it work,” Manning said. “The parish has been enormously generous and supportive during this process. Obviously, having their support is required for a project of this scale. I think folks have shown a lot of forbearance in terms of waiting, but everybody is ready and anxious looking forward to being back and realizing the full scope of what we have accomplished.”
Though there is not a strict deadline set for when the church will open, Manning said it is going to be as soon as possible.
“The deadline has shifted during the course of the project,” Manning said. “We will be in there as soon as possible is what I would say. Right now, we are doing some finishing work; some of the more detailed elements like cabinets, but we are ready to get back into the space as soon as possible.”
To complete the project, the church has been working with famed architecture firm Cram and Ferguson of Boston.
- By Christopher Lugo