It isn't every day you see a tree nestled atop a building, but at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, a small evergreen was not only placed on top of the church's Great Hall on Friday, it was blessed by Rev. John Branson III, rector of the Westport church.
This symbolic "topping out" commemorates the completion of framing work for the Great Hall, the church's newest addition.
And now that the framing is complete, next comes the installation of the roof, which will allow work on the interior to continue throughout the winter.
The Great Hall, which will accommodate approximately 300 people, is expected to open during the summer of 2011. This addition to the nearly 150-year-old church is the first in 50 years, a church spokesperson said in a release.
Part of the church's $4.7 million "New Foundations of Faith" capital campaign, the Great Hall will provide space for a number of church activities, including the childrens and adult choirs, preschool, church school and youth programs, summer Bible school, music and arts program, outreach program, and health ministry.
The two-story building will also serve an estimated 100 community organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous and Safe Rides. It will also include five new classrooms and a music room.
The capital campaign will also fund the renovation of the existing building as well as a site redesign that moves traffic and parking to the rear of the church and provides a covered entryway to the parish hall.
A second "topping out" ceremony is planned for Sunday morning at 10:45.
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