The vibrant stained-glass windows, manufactured by New York’s Payne Spiers Studio, were installed in the early 1940s. The organ was built by the Gabriel Kney Company of London, Ontario, and installed in 1972. The Lich Gate, Sanctuary Lamps, Rood Screen, Hymn Board, and Pulpit of the Beatitudes are the work of Edward Maitlen, a long-time member of the parish and a nationally recognized iron designer and craftsman. They were moved from the original building and continue to adorn the worship space to this day. The Baptismal Font has an oak canopy designed and made by the father of another long-time rector, Marshall Day, and Edward Maitlen added the cross. The Christmas Message Carvings were also designed by Maitlen in collaboration with his daughter, Mrs. Richard (Harriett) Thomas. The front entrance bookcases were salvaged from the original library, as well as the floorboards for the new Fellowship Hall. Even the rafters from the original attic were installed in the 2006 renovation to further incorporate our history into our new growth. One of our members, the late Anne Schaller, designed colorful needlepoint altar rail kneelers, which were stitched by parishioners. They depict the seasonal birds and flowers found in this area with superimposed religious symbols, and add beauty and grace to the kneelers at the altar.
The question of moving to a suburban location was raised in 1997, leading to the formation of a Facilities and Location Task Force. A year-long process of study and discernment involving the entire parish led to two clear-cut decisions. The first was to remain in our present location; the second was to undertake significant renovations of our historic building. A plan was developed to demolish the building sections that had been added over the years, build a new education and administrative wing, renovate the parish hall, and enhance the sanctuary and nave. Ground was broken in 2001 and completed in 2002.
This renovation has provided a significant contribution to our neighborhood:
We re-purposed the rectory next door into a facility to serve seniors, now operated independently as Alpha Services. We created a ministry of weekly community meals, known as Gathering Grace, in the new Fellowship Hall space. We also open our doors for special events throughout the year, as we seek to serve those in our surrounding neighborhood and greater Muncie.
