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CANFIELD -- Canfield Presbyterian Church was filled to capacity Sunday morning as the congregation officially dedicated its $2.25 million newly remodeled sanctuary.
The Rev. Larry Bowald, senior pastor, and the Rev. Amber Balista, associate pastor, led the dedication during the service.
"God's house is not just this building, but the many people who made this day possible. They gave of themselves for this day. Today we celebrate the church, this beautiful site and the people of God and the time that was devoted to make this possible," Bowald said.
Bowald and Balista each blessed different areas inside the renovated sanctuary such as the pulpit, lectern and choir area. Thanks was given to contributions of money and materials for the project and the "labors of love."
Bowald said not only is the sanctuary more beautiful, but it's also safer and more functional. He said the entire sanctuary was rebuilt, but it was done to maintain the character of the original sanctuary. He thanked the members for their patience in having to worship at other locations -- such as fellowship hall and the Christman Room -- for more than a-year-and a-half while the renovation was underway.
The church is located off West Main Street not far from the city's center. The service on Sunday began with a procession of the congregation into the sanctuary.
Patricia Purser of Canfield, chairwoman of the sanctuary renovation committee/church project manager, said the renovation is the largest project the church has ever had.
"There were some past minor renovations but nothing to the extent of what was done," she said.
Purser said the sanctuary was dedicated in 1904.
In 1902, the sanctuary seating originally faced east and was limited to the front half with the original wooden ceiling. In 1958, during the first remodeling of the sanctuary a room was added in the back where the current audio visual station is located. This is when the first pipe organ was installed.
In 1984, the sanctuary and other areas of the church were again remodeled at a cost of approximately $480,000.
"It had gotten in very serious condition. We were lucky it was still standing," Purser said, noting that beams had to be replaced, including one between two ceilings that were holding up about 6.5 tons of brick.
Purser said the $2.25 million project was paid for with a loan and through fundraising.
Purser said work was done in August.
"When we all saw what was done, we were so impressed. It is just gorgeous. We extended the wood to the back ceiling. We expanded another area and are able to show more of our stained glass windows. We also opened the bell tower so people can see more in this area," Purser said.
She said the room is brighter and more colorful with sun shining through the many stained glass windows.
The church membership is 300 with 150 to 160 per week attending worship.
"We had many people attending today. They were all excited to see what had been done," Purser said.
David Goddard of Canfield, who served on the building committee, said as a lifelong member of the church, he has dreamed of having this done for the last 20 to 30 years. He said he has always wanted to have a remodeled sanctuary with all the wood restored.
"Our goal with this project was to keep the historic charm of the sanctuary while updating the features. We wanted the sanctuary to be like it was in the early 1900s," Goddard said.
The committee that planned for the remodeling of the sanctuary began three years ago to address structural and safety concerns.
Before the sanctuary work began, work was done in other parts of the church, including renovations to Westminster Hall, installation of a new and more efficient HVAC system, and painting, new furniture and carpeting for the preschool classrooms. In addition, there were electrical upgrades, and audio visual equipment was updated to 21st century standards with enhanced lighting and sound. There was also updated flooring and pews.
Work was done by Murphy Contracting of Youngstown.
Since the organ had to be professionally removed from the sanctuary, the church members decided this was an opportunity for service on the 934 pipes.
As Bowald and Balista concluded the service, they were led down the center aisle to the back of the church by Betsy Bethel-McFarland of Martin's Ferry playing on bagpipes.