Restoration & Regathering

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This prayer of The Book of Common Prayer reflects the spirit of resilience in the community of faith known as Saint Bernard’s Church since the tragic fire of October 23, 2004.

Any building project of significant size takes an abundance of time and effort. This is especially true of a rebuild project involving a historic building. The amount of attention to detail required to reconstruct the beautiful Gothic Revival architecture of Saint Bernard’s is indeed great. In cooperation with the firm of Historic Building Architects of Trenton, New Jersey, and principal historic architect Annabelle Radcliffe-Trenner, the structural work went forward.

Added to the challenge of the rebuild has been the transitional ministry period through which the church is simultaneously passing. About 7 months after the fire, the parish received news of the resignation of its Rector of over 20 years. With his departure the Wardens and Vestry turned to the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey for consultation about beginning an interim ministry with a new priest. By the early summer of 2005 a three year letter of agreement was signed between the parish and The Reverend Dr. John A. Cerrato. He has been our priest since August 15, 2005 and will be until the restoration of the church is complete.

The challenges faced by the parish leadership in the year following the fire were formidable. In mid-2005 a Rebuild Committee, under the auspices of the Vestry, went to work in earnest to lay the plans for the rebuild and to make the final decisions about an insurance settlement, the hiring of a General Contractor, and a timetable for the transitional period. An Organ Committee, convened for the redesign and building of a new organ, also worked from late 2004 into 2005.

The outcome of the design phase of the rebuild has been the decision to restore Saint Bernard’s Church to its former glory with as few changes to the historic building as possible. Code upgrades required by law account for some significant additions, including a new outside doorway in the wall of the south transept and a bathroom in the same area, for handicap accessibility. A new HVAC system has been installed, bringing air conditioning to the building for the first time. The new organ console has been relocated to a less conspicuous place in the choir area and reconfigured for more effective use.

The altar rail has been moved toward the altar a few paces to allow more room for the communions of the people at Holy Eucharist. A new oculus window has been reconstructed, based on a precise duplication of the original. The entirety of the exterior stonework has been repointed and much needed rebuilding done to the exterior walls of the upper bell tower.

In September 2005 a contract was signed for the building of a new organ. The new instrument has been designed by Dr. Charles Callahan of Vermont and was constructed by the firm of Roger A. Colby of Johnson City, Tennessee. Its installation in the building in February and March 2008 constituted the last major phase of the rebuild.

In the spring of 2006 a contract was signed with the general contracting firm of Schtiller & Plevy of Newark, New Jersey. S & P is a building company that specializes in the restoration of historic buildings and won the bid for the rebuild of Saint Bernard’s Church from an impressive field of competitors.

Each of the windows of the full cycle of Kempe Windows, imported from England in the early 20th century, has been restored by the artisans of The Art of Glass, Inc. of Media, Pennsylvania, under the able direction of restoration expert Mr. Art Feminella. The great oculus window above the high altar was completely destroyed and was replicated under the direction of AOG President Kathy Jordan.

Work began on the exterior of the church building in May 2006. The date of completion for the exterior rebuild was late 2007. The finish of the entire project is slated for late March 2008.

The first services in the restored church were Maundy Thursday (7 p.m. March 20) and Good Friday (7:30 p.m. March 21).

The first Sunday services of Holy Eucharist in the fully restored church building were on The Sunday of the Resurrection, Easter Day, March 23, 2008 (9 & 11 a.m.).

The Dedication of Saint Bernard's Church

May 10, 2008

Following the service of The Book of Common Prayer, pp. 567-74, including the rite of confirmation and reception. Service leaflets from the day are available as keepsakes (Parish Office).

The Entrance Rite: The bishop enters the newly restored church, after having called for the doors to be opened.

Bishop George E. Councell leads the opening prayers from the step in front of the choir.

The dedication of the new Colby organ.

The Choir of Saint Bernard's opened the liturgy with Parry's I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the house of the Lord, accompanied by the new organ.

Three adults were confirmed and four received in the course of the liturgy.

Bishop Councell celebrates the Holy Eucharist, assisted by The Reverend Bruce Montgomery and The Reverend Dr. John A. Cerrato.

The parish continued the celebration in the Great Hall of the Parish House with a reception. Over 200 people attended the Dedication.

Special thanks to Mr. Robert Odenweller and Mr. Ed Byrnes for the above photographs.