April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Store furnishes space for Chatham Catholics
But there's also a glass table on sale for $316, a chair and ottoman that have been marked down 20 percent to $460, and lamps going for $110 each or two for $200.
Welcome to the temporary home of St. James Church: the former Central Square Interiors, which has served as the liturgical space for parishioners since July.
Renovation
The actual St. James church is undergoing major renovation that won't be completed until March, so parishioners have been gathering in the old furniture store for Mass."The process of preparation has been going on for years, and [parishioners] went right along with it. They've responded wonderfully," said Rev. Gary Gelfenbien, pastor.
During most of the six years that he has served as pastor, there has been talk about construction or renovation in order to increase seating capacity at the church, accommodate students in the religious education program, and make the church accessible to persons with disabilities. The final go-ahead came last year after a series of studies and meetings.
A new home
For their temporary substitute home, a parishioner offered a building he owned within a mile or so of the church. It was most recently the location of Central Square Interiors, but its history dated back to the 1800s.It once was the Hotel Windsor, considered one of the finest hotels in Columbia County. There were 50 rooms, and rates were $2 or $3 daily. The Hotel Windsor was converted into the Hygeia in 1891; years later, the building housed the Abrams and Boright car dealership.
Most recently, the building served as the furniture store, and merchandise from the business remains in what is now being used as the sacristy.
Familiar setting
The temporary home of St. James Church is similar in layout to the actual church, with seating on three sides of the altar. A room adjacent to the space used for Mass serves as a Blessed Sacrament chapel, and worshippers can sit there during Mass if it gets too crowded.One advantage of having Mass in the former furniture store is that the acoustics are fabulous because the floors are wood and there is no carpeting.
"I never knew my congregation sang so well until they came here," Father Gelfenbien said.
Adjustments
Some changes have taken place with the move to a temporary location. The Saturday vigil Mass is celebrated at 5:15 p.m., 15 minutes later than usual because nearby businesses are still open at 5. Having Mass later helps to alleviate parking problems.Store owners have been more than gracious about allowing churchgoers to park in their lots for Sunday Masses, while spaces located right outside the temporary church are reserved for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Baptisms and funerals have been held at the temporary church, but weddings take place at the nearby First Reformed Church.
Changes ahead
Upon its completion, St. James Church should feature a combination of traditional and contemporary styles of woodwork. Pieces of wood salvaged from the former Silliman Memorial Church in Cohoes and Assumption/St. Paul Church in Mechanicville will be used in the newly renovated church.With at least 12 classrooms for religious education, expanded seating capacity from 330 to 425, additional entrances and amenities to make the church more accessible to persons with disabilities, St. James Church should be ready in March.
Until then, there are still deals on tables, chairs and lamps at the former Central Square Interiors. Just stop in and speak with Father Gelfenbien.
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