“By wisdom a house is built.” Those words from Proverbs encapsulate the spirit of The Parish of the Epiphany. Here, in Winchester, Massachusetts, we stand before a testament to faith and craftsmanship. The Parish of the Epiphany began in 1904. It was designed by Warren, Smith, and Biscoe. This Boston firm was known for its Arts and Crafts influence.
The architects chose an English Perpendicular Gothic style. This style reflected the origins of the Episcopal Church. The Arts and Crafts movement valued handwork. It reacted against cheap, machine-made items. This is evident throughout The Parish of the Epiphany.
Look at the concrete floors. They are hand-finished and smooth. Notice the chancel woodwork. Admire the molded tiles in the floors. Even the quarry-tile pavers are set upside down. This adds greater texture. The stained glass is particularly remarkable. It was installed over almost a hundred years. It followed an original plan sketched when the building was new.
The parish house also reflects this approach. See the utilitarian light fixtures. They are in the Cloister Garden corridor. Observe the decorative elements in the brick walls. There are ornamental tiles and low-relief sculptures.
Originally, The Parish of the Epiphany was planned with an elaborate steeple. However, it was constructed without it. The first church had a small one-story Sunday School wing. It is marked by two windows with stone tracery. They front the Cloister Garden. More space was needed later. This led to an enlargement. A second-story parish hall was added. You can see the ghost of the stairs in the exterior wall of the present chapel.
The parish house was enlarged again in the late 1920s. A tower was added to the front of the church in 1940. Hadley Hall was constructed in 1959. Frank Patterson Smith designed these extensions. He was formerly of Warren, Smith, and Biscoe. His house still stands diagonally opposite The Parish of the Epiphany.
Interestingly, The Parish of the Epiphany remains a work in progress. Wooden windows await replacement with stone tracery. Plain glass awaits stained glass. Plain stone blocks project from the sides of each window. They await a carver’s chisel. These will become decorative sculptures.
In 2020, further enhancements were made. An elevator addition now provides access to all parts of the complex. This makes The Parish of the Epiphany accessible to everyone. The design incorporates exterior masonry and copper. Interior woodwork knits together the historic fabric and the new work.
As you explore The Parish of the Epiphany, consider the collaborative spirit. Architects, artisans, and craftspeople all contributed. Their work created a welcoming community. The Parish of the Epiphany stands as a testament. It is a testament to enduring faith and timeless craftsmanship. It is a place where art and architecture serve a higher purpose.