The Sanctuary
The sanctuary has undergone a number of changes over the years. The walls originally had stenciled colored designs, popular in Victorian times. In the 1920s the worship center was expanded, an apse was added, and the choir and organ were relocated to the chancel. The walls were painted beige to imitate masonry churches and cathedrals of Europe.Beginning in the early 1970s there were dramatic modifications: pews were removed in the front of the church to allow new communion table, hanging cross, and baptismal font to be the focal point. After a new Frobenius tracker organ was built in the South Transept, the choir became participants instead of performers in worship. In the late 1990s the walls and ceiling were repainted to recall the original Victorian color scheme. New choir risers and an oak floor unified the worship space while the lighting and sound systems were improved.
Today the sanctuary is a warm, friendly, and joyful space, reflecting the “open door” vision of the congregation. While respecting its architectural heritage, the sanctuary encourages a thoughtful, participatory, and celebratory worship experience.
