Hartford, CT

Fire, possibly started by spontaneous combustion, roared through the sanctuary and auditorium of the historic stone St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford. But the church that would re-emerge from this near disaster would be more handsome than ever, would at long last meet current fire, building and handicapped-access codes, would be equipped with a celebrated organ, and would have a sanctuary more in keeping with the church’s interest in welcoming a diverse clientele to its services. Damage amounted to over $6 million dollars but the parish pulled together and vowed to rebuild.

Newfield Construction Inc. committed many hours to reconstructing the burned sanctuary space to its original quality and splendor. An addition incorporating classrooms, fellowship and meeting space was also included in this project.

The stained glass altar window was successfully rebuilt from photographs and glass bits. The chancel was lengthened with careful attention paid to reconstructing and replicating the original ceramic floor tiles and other fully researched restorations and alterations were made. The children’s chapel was completely redesigned to house the church’s new education wing. The St. John’s auditorium, all but completely destroyed, was expanded and completely rebuilt with a commercial grade kitchen. Today it is the church’s social center and also houses important community meetings and events. The choir rooms, which had made their home on the second floor of the Parish House formerly, were relocated to the basement where they coexist with expanded facilities for the parish’s young adults. And, finally, a new parking lot was carved out of a lawn area behind the church.

Newfield is proud to have provided the parishioners of St. John’s an attractive, functional and conducive space for the many activities carried forth within their church home. This parish is a beautiful architecturally prominent historic structure which Newfield was honored to be a part of.