SAN ANTONIO — A place of worship is now a work zone. Travis Park United Methodist Church is undergoing major renovations. The long-awaited works comes after devastation nearly five years ago. A storm caused a roof collapse at its youth facility, which then led to flooding in most of the building.
Travis Park Church has been around for more than 175 years. It prides itself on being a place where all are welcome. The work is starting inside the sanctuary where the faithful find connection and hope. Lead Pastor Cynthia Engstrom spoke about the significance of the sanctuary, which can sit nearly 900 people.
"So much has happened here," she said. "And I feel it. "People have been gathering here for worship for literally generations."
Brock Curry is the chair of the church's building committee. He said before the storm hit, in 2019, they were going to renovate the youth building. He said after the devastation they decided to turn their attention to begin work at the sanctuary.
"We decided to put our effort into restoring this building, which in large part had been neglected for a number of years too," he said. "Places where paint was peeling. You would see carpet that was needing repair." You wouldn't see the need for new roofs in all of our structures."
In August, the work started and it took about two weeks to clear everything out. Leaders say chandeliers were taken down. The church's stained glass windows will all be carefully removed. They will be taken away to be cleaned and restored. Curry said they have not been touched in 70 years.
"A few people have seen it in its original glory," Curry said.
Curry said it is cathartic, now that the work is underway.
"I mean to get to this phase it has been a long haul," he said.
This phase also includes, new lighting, audio and visual systems as well as the expansion of restrooms. As for the outside of the church, the limestone in the exterior will be brought back to new life. The roof will also be replaced.
Engstrom said they’re expected to move back into the sanctuary in December.
"It is going to feel like coming home," she said.
The sanctuary is the first of four phases of the church's comprehensive restoration. Curry said they're looking forward to what he calls a rebirth.
"I think we are seeing a rebirth in the congregation," he said. "And to have a rebirth of the facility to match that is inspiring."
For the next two months, the church is having worship at Hotel Valencia. The completion of phase one is in April 2025.