St. Marys Church

St. Mary's Church , dedicated in 1873, is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places as an example of a medieval parish church designed in the Gothic Revival styl that was popular in the mid to late 1800's. Because of its recognition as a registered historic place, St. Mary's church presented DKA with the challenge of repairing it structure and updating its infrastructure while completing a restoration accurate in the details of the Gothic Revival style.

The goal of the project was to capture the spirit and workmanship of the original design, including colors and stencils, woodwork and ceramic floor tlles. Before beginning the design phase of this project, DKA examined the original architectural drawings from 1870 and researched authentic nineteenth century building materials and design motifs. This research contributed to a completed reovation and restoration that is respectful of the church's particular aesthetic while preparing it for a vital worshiping community embarking upon a new millennium.

Inside the church, The Predella was brought forward to the intersection of the Nave and Transepts to accommodate the installation of a restored Skinner pipe organ and organ case. A new, larger altar of oak and green marble was installed at the center of the Predella to relocate the priest more centrally, and seating was added to each arm of the cruciform floor plan to draw the congregation closer to the altar for greater involvement during the celebration of the Mass. A Narthex was added at the rear of the church to provide an indoor area for congregating and seating was added to the balcony above it. Oak wainscoting that had been removed was replaced. Multi-colored floor tiles and borders were imported from the English factory that provided the originals and installed according to the architect's designed floor pattern. Walls ad ceiling murals were stenciled with desings created by the architect, reminiscent of designs used similarly in the nineteenth century. The open timber scissors-brace roof was restored and covered with infills of Victorian Tracery. Existing aluminum exterior doors were replaced with new oak doors. Additional building improvements included a new sound system, lighting color scheme, liturgical furnishings, handicap accessible bathroom and refinished pews.