When a historic church expands, GuernseyTingle can deliver flexible spaces with a nod to heritage.
Hickory Neck Episcopal approached GuernseyTingle to develop a master plan for their rapidly growing congregation. Their historic chapel, only seating 75, no longer provided the necessary space required to serve their members. Additionally, their parish house, while suitable for coffee hours, had long-since become unusable for larger gatherings. The client challenged GuernseyTingle to reflect both the historic architectural and intimate atmosphere of their original chapel in the new building.
Phase one included a 5,500 square foot building with a 200-set worship space, with a narthex, nursery, support spaces, and much-needed storage. The flexible space allows for the congregation to have an intimate sanctuary setting for Sunday services along with a narthex for coffee hour; however, the sanctuary and narthex can be combined to create a single open space for parish suppers, large-capacity services, and other gatherings. Future components of the master plan allow for completion in the future, including a multi-purpose wing, education wing, and if needed, large sanctuary.