Restoration work at Saint Thomas Church are being undertaken after more than 50 years of little internal change.
The tall, dark wooden pews that lined the church will soon be replaced with upholstered pews. A new sound system will allow for better hearing and an energy-efficient lighting system will replace its old one. Water damage accrued to the building’s ceiling will also be addressed, and a new flowing water baptistery will greet church-goers at the entrance.
Most of the construction is set to be completed by Friday, Aug. 28, in time for that weekend’s services and the start of school.
In meantime, all masses will be held in the gymnasium of the St. Thomas Apostle School across the street during the project’s expected six week long construction. That means three more weekends of services in the gym before the services are back in the church.
“It’s not ideal, but it works,” said Rev. Thomas Hayes, the church’s pastor since 2010, calling the gym an “adequate” replacement for the church.
Though the gym is no-doubt a bit hotter and more humid than parishioners are used to — the gym is not air-conditioned while the church is — Hayes said that parishioners have been understanding about the move because of the need for restoration.
The church as it stands now at 35 Adams Place in Delmar, was built in 1963. Hayes said little changes have been made to the facility since that time.
Saint Thomas did, however, undergo a large exterior remodel a number of years ago, which included the construction of a new addition to the building. These changes as well caused masses to be held in the school gymnasium during the projects long construction.
Much of the interior of the church was left alone during that construction project, so these new changes are very different from previous ones.
Officials at the church said these latest changes have been in development for three years now, and the church has been putting aside reserve funds since that time in preparation of the construction costs.
“We had been anticipating these changes for awhile,” said Hayes, “so there haven’t been that many suprises.
As the restorations plans have been in place for so long, summertime weddings, as well as baptisms have been scheduled to other local churches. Hayes even said he will be performing a marriage ceremony for two St. Thomas church-goers in Schenectady this weekend.
The church said it decided to make these changes over the summer since this is the time when attendance is lowest. Hayes accounts this to family vacations.
The most pressing restoration need was the lighting and sound systems, which will enhance the church’s dim lighting and correct what the church calls reverberation issues. These light and sound upgrades will be expensive and extensive but will allow for “more extensive hearing and sight,” said Hayes.
Costs included bringing in multiple acoustical experts to address the reverberation issues.
Because of the large size and height of the building, reverberation of sound is very easy, and indeed, higher than recommended levels. The new system will bring reverb from a level three to a level one using acoustic paneling. The new cushioned pews will also help cut down on the building’s reverb.
All changes except the flowing water baptistery will be completed by the August 28 end of construction date. That final construction should be completed by the end of September, said the reverend.
“I think people will appreciate the improvements. A new and improved church is something wonderful to look forward to,” said Hayes.
Hayes was ordained in 1974 and served at several Capital District churches before coming to Saint Thomas. The church serves close to 3,000 households and about 8,500 individuals in the community.
For more information on Saint Thomas Church, call 439-4951.
