New look, same character for historic Minden church

The Coventry Cross Episcopal Church in Minden will begin a long-awaited expansion to its parish house while retaining the historic character of the church nave and sanctuary.

"They started looking around and making inquiries four years ago," said Dick Hamilton, a member of the church's building committee. "Since then we went from nothing to where we are today."

Today there is an architect's rendering of the remodel hanging on the wall of the parish house. Rudy Hammond, a volunteer construction manager for the project, said that pending county permits, the church hopes to break ground on the project in September.

The expansion will double the size of the current parish house to a 2,200-square-foot, two-story structure that will have room for half a dozen Sunday school classes. The structure will also get a new kitchen and new bathrooms, as well as handicap-access ramps.

But the church nave and sanctuary - with its brightly colored stained glass windows and ancient stone cross resting on a wooden roof beam - will remain the same.

"This is not going to change," said Mary Hammond, who is assisting with church publicity, as she stood among the church pews. "It has a historical marker on the corner so this will not change."

The church remodel will also include new landscaping on property that faces Highway 395. New trees, 19th century lampposts and park benches will be added to conform to Minden redevelopment guidelines and encourage more people to stop by the church. The church will also expand its existing parking lot.

"It'll give the area here a nice presence in the community," Rudy Hammond said.

The Coventry Cross Episcopal Church was moved from Smith Valley to Minden in 1954, and includes an ancient stone cross that rests on a roof beam above the church altar.

Church volunteers say that the expansion is needed to accommodate church activities and the size of the congregation.

"At times (the church is full)," said Rudy Hammond. "At other times it's just a matter of wanting to spread your wings a little and prepare for the future."

The church hopes to complete the remodel in time for Christmas services this year. Regular services will continue during the construction period.