Sanctuary Project
An Overview of the Sanctuary Project
In March 2009, work was completed on the new sanctuary at Holy Incarnation. Designed by Keith M. Steffke and built by Walter J. Froehlich of E & W Cabinet of Romulus, the sanctuary includes a new altar with inset marble altar stone, devotional niches with statues from the former Incarnation Orthodox Church of Detroit, niches for icons, a permanent communion rail and an area for hearing Private Confession.
The altar was consecrated on 14 February 2009 by the Rt. Rev. Mark Maymon, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. As part of the two-hour rite, Bishop MARK sealed the relics of the martyr Saint Sebastian and a certain Saint Peter into the marble altar stone. In addition, holy oils including sacred chrism were poured and rubbed into the stone.
"This project was undertaken and designed to improve and enhance the meditative atmosphere of our liturgical space," said Fr. John W. Fenton, pastor at Holy Incarnation. In addition to the altar, solid red oak was used for of the sanctuary and a new slate floor was laid.
The project cost nearly $30,000, and took six months to complete, finishing in March 2009. The funds for the project were raised from within the parish. "We tapped into our building fund, and funds generously provided by the Archdiocese," the priest said. Donations are being accepted for "extras." "As with any building, once the room is finished, it needs to be furnished. These furnishings include various devotional and liturgical items such as icons, reliquaries and other objects important to Orthodox Christians."
Wish List for the Project
Donations are being accepted to purchase other necessary liturgical items that will that will furnish the new liturgical space. Donations may be made through PayPal or through other arrangements.
Holy Incarnation, which was established in 2007 as a Latin Rite Orthodox mission, purchased the building in February 2008. Built as a small church in the mid 20th century, the building was previously owned by a non-denominational congregation. Fr. Fenton explained that the building was a "blank slate" when it was purchased by the parish. "The worship area (about 1000 square feet) was completely empty except for a temporary platform. It was a golden opportunity to configure the space for the traditional liturgical needs of a parish that uses the Latin Rite."
Photos of the project are available through Picasa.
Meet the Builders
The new altar and sanctuary at Holy Incarnation was designed by Keith M. Steffke. Working with his stepfather, Walter J. Froehlich of E & W Cabinet of Romulus, Steffke was able to create a unique, warm, formal worship space in a blend of Reformed Gothic and Arts and Craft styles.
E & W Cabinet of Romulus is one of the few remaining custom woodworking mills in Southeastern Michigan. The firm has expertise in remodeling residential and commercial space and church interior remodeling.
However, it's greatest source of pride is renovation and restoration of historic structures. In the last decade, Walter J. Froehlich and his assistant James Boarders have provided restoration services to a number of historic homes by reproducing period moldings and custom wood work, and matching additions to existing structure styles. Keith M. Steffke provides his expertise to the firm for period furniture design, architectural and liturgical history and lends his skills as an historic preservationist.
Some of their more interesting recent projects were the rebuilding of the navigation cabin and pilothouse, all in teak and white oak, of the famed Detroit River yacht "Helene" after it experienced a major shipboard fire. Froehlich, a third generation woodworker, has also been called up to restore sections of Henry Ford's Fairlane Manor mansion. Relying exclusively on photographs, he faithfully reproduced many of the structure's lost decorative elements and recreated complete rooms that had been "re-muddled" in the 1950's and 60's.
The company looks forward to further helping the congregation as it grows and would be happy to speak with other members of the Downriver community who may have unique projects they are hoping to undertake.
