Parishes grounded in buildings that match needs

Walking into the Church of St. James in Chatham, one is immediately struck by a sense of warmth and space.

Balancing a contemporary worship space with traditional church decorations, such as stained glass, icons and wood, St. James provides a warm, welcoming and comfortable place for worship.

According to Deacon Peter Trawinski, the building is in its third renovation since 1904. The most recent, completed in 1998, changed the entire look of the interior space.

"Father Gary Gelfenbien [the pastor] visited many area churches when we were thinking about a design for St. James," Deacon Trawinski said. "The final design developed from many different ideas and examples he found."

For example, the design for the wooden altar table is based on that of Christ Episcopal Church in Milton, Conn. A 100-year old canopied choir stall was salvaged from St. Joseph's Church in Albany.

St. Joan of Arc Church in Menands was a small country church that has been transformed over the years into a contemporary, multi-purpose structure. Rev. William Jillisky said that in the 12 years he has been pastor there, the building has been added on to and redesigned several times.

"Our main worship space can easily be transformed into a multi-purpose room where we hold weekend retreats for our youth, a gathering place for our community or even to accommodate a special event, such as a reception," he explained.

The parish grounds reflect a quiet rural atmosphere, even though they are located only minutes from busy Route 787.

According to Father Jillisky, the chairs in the main worship space that surround the altar on three sides can quickly be stacked on a ledge on either side of the room, to "open up the area" for parish functions.

Two wings flank each side of the worship space. One side is comprised of six classrooms for religious education and meeting rooms. The second wing houses a utility room, restrooms, storage areas and a full kitchen.

According to Father Jillisky, the building's flexibility easily accommodates the various functions of parish life at St. Joan's.

"It has a high degree of usability," he said. "It is durable, adaptable, comfortable and pleasing to the eye."