Rogers Krajnak Architects, Inc. has been commissioned to renovate the historic sanctuary at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. Originally designed in the 1840’s by architect Thomas S. Stewart of Philadelphia, and consecrated in November 1845, St. Paul’s is a masterpiece of the Greek Revival style. St. Paul’s is a stately complement to Thomas Jefferson’s temple form Virginia State Capitol across the street.
During the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee and his wife were lent a pew and attended services at St. Paul's whenever possible throughout the war. In 1862, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was confirmed as a member of the parish. While attending service on Sunday, April 2, 1865, President Davis was delivered a message from General Lee stating that Lee had to withdraw from Petersburg, and thus could no longer defend Richmond. Davis quietly left the church, and evacuated the Confederate government and army from the city that afternoon. Fires broke out that evening, destroying the downtown and spreading dangerously close to St. Paul's.
Today, the space is beautifully appointed stained glass windows from notable studios including Lamb Studios, Charles Booth Studio and Tiffany Studios. The foremost work of art is the mosaic altarpiece installed in 1896 by Tiffany Studios. This is a mosaic reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of the Last Supper.
Rogers Krajnak Architects will be working with the Worship Space Task Force to renovate the historic sanctuary in a manner that accommodates the worship style of the current congregation while honoring the historic integrity of the 167 year old building.
