The church was filled to overflowing. Over 100 people attended the rededication Service Saturday Night Dec. 5, 2015.
From the Alpine Avalanche
By Rani Birchfield Correspondent
Members and clergy of Holy Cross Anglican Church took a hands-on approach to remodeling their sanctuary.
They began construction this past summer and the new space will be consecrated Saturday by the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church Royal Grote.
The Rev. Damien Grout is the director, building supervisor and teacher of the venture. Together with his wife, Jolie, and a willing congregation, Holy Cross is now an elegant convergence of heaven and earth.
One practical reason for doing the remodel, Grout said, was the fact the church had no good transition from outdoors into the worship space -- you were outside, then you were in the sanctuary – leaving no space for greetings. Secondly, it was a bit utilitarian – it felt more like a liturgical office space, he said.
“There is a pragmatic streak in America, especially in western America which overrules things at times,†Grout said. However, the church is the place where heaven and earth are brought together, which is sometimes seen as “non-practical.â€
“The things that are the essence of life are rarely measured in dollars and cents – they are more intangible,†Grout said. “The church is a place where you catch your breath and commune with God – it’s a place of peace and beauty.â€
A trained graphic artist as well as the rector’s wife and community volunteer, Jolie Grout was tasked with translating that idea into something executable. She worked on the drawings for months before construction began. They wanted to incorporate a theological vision and adapt it to a West Texas setting, and to build something beautiful yet not gaudy.
“We love the beauty of English architecture and traditional Anglican architecture, but the neo-gothic didn’t really work in the rustic, cowboy space of west Texas,†Jolie Grout said. “The challenge was how to bring something that was aesthetically transcendent and holy to a steel building.â€
The resulting beamed ceilings, arches and restrained decorative elements are reminiscent of Mission style, which fits the culture of Alpine.
The construction phase lasted six months, a remarkable accomplishment in any town, especially West Texas. “That was one reason to do the labor in-house,†Damien Grout said.
He owned a cabinet business and was the master carpenter for a church renovation company, so Grout was able to direct the novices as well as the experts. “It was remarkable the way the congregation came together,†he said. “We have 50-plus members and most all of them came out on a work day at some point.â€
The plans called for raising the ceilings and replacing acoustical tiles with wood. They replaced fluorescent lights with chandeliers; the congregation conveniently included electricians.
Windows were added for natural light as well as a foyer for greeting and transitioning. Woodworking and millwork were done in house, which saved money.
Bill Newman joined the church in August after moving to Alpine from Virginia. He builds guitars and does woodworking for a hobby. The church project was a different application of his skills.
“Lately I’ve been here every day,†Newman said. “There’s so much to do, and we’re running out of time. I’ll have to find something to do when we finish,†he said.
When it came time to stain all the wood, the construction team had “staining parties.†Whether volunteers were skilled or not didn’t matter – people came and participated and learned.
“It was rewarding to see the members trying new things,†Damien Grout said.
Worship services were held in the educational facility on-site during the remodel. “I like to think the worship informed the construction,†he said. “Worshipping together gave us the strength to build together and work together.â€
What will the Reverend do once this intense project is done?
“Hide,†he said, laughing. “It’s been a long sprint. My wife will be happy to end the 14 to 16-hour work days.â€
They’ll take a breather for a couple of weeks then move on to the preparations for the Christmas feast.
He never wants to do another remodel, he said. “But it was amazing to go through it. It was such a blessing to work with the congregation.â€
Consecration to the Glory of God of the renovated nave, chancel and altar by the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church Royal Grote will be at 5 p.m. at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 903 Fighting Buck Ave. Music by the Big Bend Community Chorale and light refreshments will follow the service.
Below left: The Rev. Damien Grout with Bp. Grote standing under the new Good Shepherd stained glass window above the Altar. The window was made by The Rev. Mark Bleakley of Bleakley Stained Glass.
Top right: Fr. Grout and Bp. Grote with Confirmands.
Bottom right: Bp. Grote preaching at the Consecration of the church.
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