Glass atrium creates new look for historic Brighton church

The old and the new are coming together as part of a massive expansion and renovation of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Brighton.

A new glass atrium has been built along the front next to the original brick church.

“It’s going well,” the Rev. Deon Johnson said. “We have four more months left, and we should be done by the end of May.”

Johnson said a consecration of the expanded church will be held at 11 a.m. June 21.

He moved out of his offices at the church in July as crews began gutting the entire building. The church has been holding services in the chapel at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brighton Township.

Johnson said the $1.7 million project is ahead of schedule.

He said the worship area will almost double in size, and the community room will be larger. An elevator also is being installed.

Johnson said the improvements will make the church more functional.

“The new worship space is going to be really cool,” he said.

Johnson said the intent of the glass atrium was to preserve the look of the church without putting a “heavy look on it.” He said the church will have a more transparent look, and he hopes residents will feel more welcome to stop inside. There’s another benefit as well.

“It has an amazing view of the downtown,” Johnson said.

He said the expansion is being paid for from a capital fund program, grants and loans.

A new cross was installed along the eastern portion of the building. Johnson designed it.

“It’s a throwback to the first set of crosses used in Christianity,” Johnson said.