by Susan Gest

as Published in the February Edition of the Granby Drummer

They’ve gone from a capital “T” to a small “t” or more symbolically, a cross.  Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Simsbury, completed an addition in September after almost two years of planning. The new Gathering Space was dedicated on Nov. 8 and fittingly transforms the church into the shape of a cross and provides a transition from everyday life.

“It looks like it was always part of the church” commented George Forler, a longtime member. That’s because the design by local architect, Lorri DiBattisto, of DiBattisto & Associates of East Granby, has experience working with churches. The project started over two years ago when church members identified the need to replace the 50 year-old skylights that spanned the sanctuary roofline.  As they found out from interviewing many local contractors, this would be no small task.  Rob Proulx from Proulx Building & Remodeling LLC of Stafford Springs, however, was up for the challenge and was selected for the job. “Why not replace the old windows and doors at the front of the church, too, and add a few feet of space?” asked Dennis Gruell Co-Chair of the Facilities Improvement Committee.

Of course, the purpose for adding the new space had to be connected in some way to our mission. “When we looked to the history of the architecture of the church, we saw it. An entry room, or narthex, is used to transition from everyday life to the sanctuary and to emphasize service to the community” explained Kat Smith, Council President.

Funding was the next step, once the congregation approved the overall concept. The (re)Building to Foster Community capital campaign netted nearly half the funds required for the construction phase.  A loan refinancing made up the other half, which made it possible to keep the current monthly mortgage payments unchanged.  Additionally, monies that had been bequeathed a few years earlier provided the resources for the Interior Design Committee to fill the new space.

“We focused on functionality, so we didn’t just end up with more building to maintain,” explained Jack Vanderbilt Co-Chair of the Facilities Improvement Committee. The new construction includes an ADA compliant automatic door and ramps so that everyone has easy access to worship.

Weekly Sunday Services are at 9 a.m. All are invited to see the new Gathering Space and join in worship.