(November 28, 2005) — Long before the start of the 10 a.m. worship service, Jack Holzwarth, a church greeter, already knew that this Sunday would be like no other.
To begin with, there were the larger-than-usual crowds that arrived earlier. The Pittsford resident nodded good mornings and helped guide the excited congregation through the double doors into the shimmering sanctuary. Sure this was the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the start of Advent, the celebration of St. Andrew's Day, but it was also a homecoming for the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford.
On Sunday, after 18 months of worshipping at Nazareth College, First Presbyterian's 1,100-member congregation returned to the church, which reopened for its first service since it was damaged by fire triggered by lightning nearly two years ago.
The stained glass was sparkling, the balcony lifted, sanctuary lights changed hues, and a new high-tech camera was installed near the pulpit to beam services to surrounding rooms. A total of more than 1,100 people attended two services Sunday. Many attendees said they were pleased with the restoration of the building. Some said that the church at 21 Church St. just off Pittsford's Main Street looked similar to the way it was before the fire.
Carrie Mitchell, associate pastor, said that Sunday's attendance was up from Thanksgiving weekend last year, and that in recent months she has seen more inquiries from potential members who read about the church's reopening.
After the May 20, 2004, fire devastated the historic 1826 sanctuary, the congregation swiftly mobilized to reclaim what was lost. "This is a historic church on the federal ledger of historic churches, and for some people they've spent their whole lives here," said George Foster, who chaired an eight-person restoration committee. "We never thought about moving it."
Since insurance covered the restoration, some of the $1.5 million raised went into upgrades. The result is a mix of 19th century tradition and 21st century high technology.
While the cornice molding that ribbons the walls of the sanctuary is a restored feature, parts of the sanctuary's original wainscoting had to be replaced.
New features include a webcam-style camera that connects the sanctuary with other rooms, a new ventilation system, new boiler, lighting, window frames, restored stained glass windows, new pianos and an improved fire alarm system.
The balcony has been lifted two feet, making the sanctuary look more spacious, and a new chapel carries an additional 80 seats. The remaining work is expected to be finished by Christmas.
Members said that the church isn't just a place of service, but a treasure trove of memories. Betty Wright, 87, has fond memories of joining the congregation as a young bride. Twelve-year-old John Watt III said he had been coming since he could remember.
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