architecture4everyone: Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church

Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church

Dover, MA

After eight years of sharing a sanctuary with Congregationalists, this young Episcopal fellowship was ready for its own church in 1986. After weighing the purchase of land on the outskirts of the village or converting an 1850's meeting house — unused for 30 years and sitting on a knoll in the center of town — church members saw the importance of their visual presence in town and proceeded with renovation. Upon completion of the project, three of the sanctuary walls and their windows, the Narthex (albeit changed), and the floor were all that remained. However, the resulting structure with its addition to the rear maintained the strong visual image of this historical structure, which was an integral part of the community.

Fifteen years later, the growing congregation needed additional classroom, meeting, and office space and proceeded with further addition to the rear, making efficient use of the limited site right up to the rear property line.


Home About Us Project by Category Churches New Residential Remodeling Commercial Partial Client List Community Service FAQ Consultants Need More Information? Contact Us		Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church Dover, MA After eight years of sharing a sanctuary with Congregationalists, this young Episcopal fellowship was ready for its own church in 1986. After weighing the purchase of land on the outskirts of the village or converting an 1850's meeting house — unused for 30 years and sitting on a knoll in the center of town — church members saw the importance of their visual presence in town and proceeded with renovation. Upon completion of the project, three of the sanctuary walls and their windows, the Narthex (albeit changed), and the floor were all that remained. However, the resulting structure with its addition to the rear maintained the strong visual image of this historical structure, which was an integral part of the community. Fifteen years later, the growing congregation needed additional classroom, meeting, and office space and proceeded with further addition to the rear, making efficient use of the limited site right up to the rear property line.
Copyright ® 2005, 2006 Paul Douglas Minor, A.I.A.