Submitted by Evelyn C. McDonald
Arts & Culture Reporter
Photos courtesy of Paula MC Porterfield-Izzo
www.seascapeportraits.com
July 30, 2015
Interior photos to be published early next week.
For those who believe that new things can only come into existence by destroying existing things, the St. Michael’s Church renovation and expansion comes as a pleasant surprise. The word most descriptive for the result of the vision of St. Michael’s pastor Father Jose Kallukalam and the expertise of architect Jose Miranda has achieved is blending. The existing church, built in 1872, has been preserved and the new addition seamlessly integrated into it.
Nothing expresses this blending better that the circular window above the altar. The original window was a small stained glass circle. It has been incorporated into a larger circle in stained glass with a related design. The effect is as though the original window had always been part of the larger design. The new addition begins at an arch in front of the altar and the transition is smoothly done. Blue Carrera marble matching the original altar and the piece behind it were used to add new pieces to the altar.
Father Kallukalam recognized that the needs of the congregation required more space. The church has more than 1600 parish families–or about 4,000 parishioners.. Masses are conducted in both English and Spanish. He wanted to allow the building to grow in a way that acknowledged the historic aspect of the building while keeping its core intact.
Asked what the structural challenges were, Miranda explained that the first project he had to address was the bell tower. The tower dates from 1920 and contained a large bell (about 2 and a half tons). The tower was 4 inches out of plumb, meaning it was on its way to becoming the Leaning Tower of Fernandina. The tower structure had to be reinforced underground and the bell removed. The objective was to stabilize the tower and stop further leaning. The bell will be placed in a special area of the church.
Some changes inside were the result of new building codes such as the need for higher railings on the balconies. Some were structural such as reinforcing the arch where the new addition connected to the existing building. From the outside, it is difficult to tell where the addition begins as the whole structure seems of one piece. Walls are the same color, the roof lines are consistent, and the entrances are done in the same manner.
Miranda, a principal in Miranda Architects, has been on Amelia Island for 25 years and has done work for St. Michael’s in the past. Throughout his career, he has specialized in historic preservation. He is a current member of the Fernandina Beach Historic District Council and the Amelia Island – Fernandina Restoration Foundation board. He was a member of the Florida Historical Commission.
Evelyn McDonald moved to Fernandina Beach from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. in 2006. She is a chair of Arts & Culture Nassau, a city commission charged with support of the arts in Nassau County. She serves on FSCJ’s Curriculum Committee for the Center for Lifelong Learning. She is also the chair of the Dean’s Council for the Carpenter Library at the UNF. Ms. McDonald has MS in Technology Management from the University of Maryland’s University College and a BA in Spanish from the University of Michigan.
Editor’s Note: We wish to extend a special thank you to Paula Porterfield-Izzo a member of St Michaels Catholic Church who graciously accepted our request to take photographs for this story. We appreciate your talents!
Paula Porterfield-Izzo is a Fine Art Photographer and Portrait Artist, that views life through a camera lens. She is a full-time exhibiting artist at the Island Art Association Gallery. She specializes in Portraits for teenagers, couples, head shots, pets and families. She created the concept of SeaScape Portraits where she photographs you, then digitally paints a mermaid tail. Examples of her Portraits, both mermaid and standard, can be found at www.seascapeportraits.com
Besides selling some of her Fine Art Photography at the Island Art Association Gallery, she also sells some at her on-line gallery at www.godistheoriginalartist.com
We have waited some time for this wonderful expansion of our church. Dedication this Sat. will be a blessing for all……
Congratulations to Jose and team for a wonderful design and all those involved in its completion.
I’ve got to admit, I was not a fan of expanding the old Church, too much History. But the results that Jose has accomplished is stunning, and it fits like an old pair of your favorite slippers. Jose, job well done.
Perfectly said!
The old and the new blended to perfection. Congrats.
In a word….perfection! Thank you!
Dear Evelyn,
The article is truly well done. One important note, though. There are 1600+ FAMILIES at St. Michael’s which translates to almost 4000 parishioners!
Thank you and God bless your work.
Catherine
Thank you Catherine. Correction made. We look forward to allowing our readers near and far to see Paula’s photographs of the the marvelous interior early next week.
W.O.W.! Excellent work, Jose’ and team!
The original church is not “preserved” any more than a remodeled Mt Vernon would reflect true architectural history. Prior to the expansion, the surrounding neighborhood homeowners were quite tolerant and gracious. The increased traffic and parking needs may test their kindness and patience.