Parish reclaiming rectory -- and history

Currently in what he terms "the demolition phase" of a massive renovation project, Rev. John French, pastor, is hoping the 160-year-old rectory at St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa will soon be restored to its original character in the tradition of Greek Revival architecture of the Federal period.

Originally a farmhouse that included upstairs quarters where, historians believe, slaves lived, the structure was converted to a rectory in 1879 after Rev. Bernard J. McDonough, then pastor, purchased it from a local family.

Since then, the rectory -- or "parish house," as Father French prefers to call it -- has undergone at least three facelifts:

* Rev. William H. Walsh, who served as pastor from 1912 until 1920, raised funds for a rectory renovation project during those pre-Depression years.

* The rectory was reportedly "renovated throughout" a second time around 1940 when the late Msgr. Vincent de Paul Archambault was pastor. Among the changes he made was to "sound-proof" an upstairs room -- reportedly because his ears were sensitive to the roar of passing trains.

* The third renovation mentioned was undertaken by Rev. Paul Bondi, who saw to it that the rectory was "painted and had upgraded heating" among other things.

During one of the renovation projects, downstairs walls were covered with wood paneling, fireplaces were boarded up and chimneys were sealed in order to save on heating costs. Styrofoam ceiling tiles were also placed over some of the original plaster as an energy-conservation measure. The new renovation seeks to reclaim the house's past and to do so for a good time to come.

"The work we're doing now is an investment in the next 100 years," Father French said. "We're restoring the house to its original decor and also putting on an addition so we can better serve the parish's needs in the coming decades. We are taking the long view and building for the future."

Included in the expansion plans are new offices for the pastor, secretary and business administrator. Handicapped ramps will also be constructed.

What really got the project underway, said Father French, was an upstairs fire several weeks ago. Antiquated electrical wiring was blamed for the blaze.

"We're down to the pre-Civil War studs now," explained Father French, pointing to some rough hewn ceiling beams, some of which still have the bark that was on them when the trees were cut down.

As part of the refurbishment project, the part of the historic main floor currently used for secretarial, administrative and pastoral work will become part of the house shared by the priests in residence. All of the ornate plaster trim and ceilings will be restored to their original splendor, as will the intricate parquet floors.

Contemporary wood paneling will be removed from walls, which will be painted -- and all five fireplaces will be opened up. The quarters where it is believed slaves once slept will be used for storage of documents.

Exterior renovations will include painting the rectory either white or "a nice gray with an appropriate accent color on the trim," Father French said, adding: "We looked into bringing it down to the original brick but were told this particular type of brick was meant to be painted. Right now, we're trying to decide which color or colors would best reflect the original character of the house."

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