BRIGANTINE — A new St. Thomas Church is expected to be unveiled in time for Palm Sunday, according to Father William S. Vandegrift, pastor.
The gutted church is undergoing a major renovation and overhaul that will include 120 additional seats. Presently Masses are being held in St. Philip Parish Hall, which was renovated last year.
“We’re opening up two walls for the seats and replacing the pews, the flooring, improving the lighting, and getting a new altar,” said Father Vandegrift, noting that much of the marble will be used for the new altar.
Why the major renovation?
“Nothing has been done in 40 years,” the pastor said, “and the pews, which are over 50 years old, are being replaced, as is the torn carpeting.”
Replacing the pews, he continued, was cheaper than repairing them because they are so cracked. The whole project is expected to run $800,000.
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