St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Richmond, VA

Rogers Krajnak Architects prepared a master plan for the renovation of the historic Sanctuary and Chapel at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The purpose of the renovation is to create a worship space that will welcome and enhance the way the congregation worships in the 21st century while remaining true to the historic legacies at St Paul's which was originally constructed in 1843-1845.

RKA designed the expanded Chancel to accommodate a new wood altar, reconfigured brass pulpit, existing stone baptismal font, existing marble high altar and mosaic reredos, a new healing station and a new votive candle stand.  The new healing station will be created with wood columns from the existing pulpit and will be wrapped with a new marble ramp providing accessibility to the Chancel.  The Gallery will be expanded to provide greater flexibility in accommodating the choir and musicians.  The renovations of the Chapel will include the removal of existing columns and floor level changes, installation of a new floor and coffered ceiling and new liturgical furnishings to create a flexible space for smaller gatherings.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Assessment Work Begins

Rogers Krajnak Architects, Inc. has been commissioned to renovate the historic sanctuary at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. RKA staff was recently on site to fully document the Church prior to starting design work.

Rogers Krajnak Architects to renovate historic Richmond VA church

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.