Saint Boniface Episcopal Church
Mequon, WisconsinA Wisconsin AIA design award winner, St. Boniface Episcopal Church opened to rave reviews from parishioners and the community, alike. The expanded facility is located in suburban Mequon, Wisconsin on the same site as the original church was established over fifty years ago, about 15 miles north of downtown Milwaukee. From the street, one is attracted to the distinctive new presence in the small community on the western shore of Lake Michigan by the steeply pitched gable adjacent to the tall and sleek bell tower which establishes a symbolic form joining the old with the new. The copper cladding shimmers in the sunlight and the interior is aglow at dark. Eventually, the metal will weather and turn a verdigris patina color and stand the test of time. The new worship space accommodates seating for more than 350 persons and is framed in exposed laminated timbers and decking of Douglas fir, producing a room of warm wood. An altar of two blocks of solid limestone was also designed by HGA. The altar and platform are thrust out into the worship space with pews of cherry on a slate floor. It is a most uplifting and inspiring context. In addition, a new gathering space or narthex was also created that is filled with daylight. It enhances the feeling of community before and after worship services in addition to providing adequate space for the congregations many socials events.