Historic photograph

Condition Assessment Report
Exterior Restoration

The St. John’s Church complex consists of three interconnecting buildings, the Church, Parish Halls, and Rectory. The most important of the buildings is the Church built in 1895 and designed by Horace Trumbauer. The Church represents an excellent example of Trumbauer’s earlier ecclesiastical work designed to be long and low in the early English Gothic style. The Rectory was added in 1909 and also designed by Trumbauer. The Guild Hall added in 1924 compliments the architecture of the Church with its sandstone walls and rough textured stucco in the gable with the faux half-timber­ing. In 1959 an addition was added to the rear of the Guild Hall, however, this is not visible from the front elevation of the Church.

The Church received a $750,000 NJHT Capital Grant in 2002. HBA assisted in preparing the grant application as well as the Condition Assessment Report, which identified the exten­sive work necessary for the restoration of the buildings. Restoration began in 2003 and was completed in early 2006. The work was exten­sive, including new slate roofs, restoration of significant stained glass windows, restoration of masonry, decorative wood trim and dormers, restoration of stucco, landscaping and drain­age work on both the Church and the Rectory. Paint analysis provided information on the historic dark brown paint colors and mortar analysis provided the correct mortar color for repointing. Other work included structural sta­bilization of the Chancel roof, rebuilding of the 1924 Kitchenette Wing, and interior painting.

www.stjohnsomerville.org

Restored views