St. Thomas Chapel set for renovation

St. Thomas Chapel sits alone on a busy highway in Springfield, her simple Greek Revival structure offering a cozy and country feel as she extends a friendly welcome to visitors.

The chapel has been the heartbeat of the Springfield community for more than 80 years. But as she enters into her ninth decade, age is taking its toll necessitating perhaps not a full overhaul but certainly a nip here and a tuck there.

“When I arrived (at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany) St. Thomas was in the best shape of the parochial buildings,” said Father Jamin David, pastor of St. Margaret and St. Thomas. “Since we’ve had subsequent renovations on the St. Margaret property, St. Thomas is clearly in the worst shape.”

But by late 2023, St. Thomas should have bounced back in her step with a brighter, refreshed look. 

Father David said a fundraising campaign is underway to complete work scheduled at the church, which was originally completed with contributions from the Shoo family, who requested the chapel be given St. Thomas as its patron since their son’s name was Thomas.  

Plans include replacing the roof and metal work on the steeple and restoring it from a shingled roof to a metal roof. 

The exterior siding, which was added in the 1980s but which also suffered damage during Hurricane Ida, will be removed and replaced with concrete board stylized to match the original architecture.

Energy efficient windows will be added and the glass installed in the 1980s will be replaced with clear, frosted glass to restore the church to its former integrity.

Also included in the plans, Father David said, are the refinishing and varnishing of the original wood  floors, replacing the pews with new ones to match the original aesthetic, removal of all carpet, restoring the sacristy and sanctuary to match the traditional integrity of the building and installing a new HVAC and sound system.

Father David said the most recent renovations were more than 30 years ago and along with the normal wear and tear, Hurricane Ida damaged the roof which led to subsequent damage to the interior of St. Thomas.

“Starting with the 2022 iGiveCatholic campaign, we have asked our parishioners to consider some sacrificial giving to make the project a reality,” Father David said. “While not everyone is able to give in this sacrificial way, breaking down the costs this way makes the project doable.  It’s an extra $15 per week, per family.  

“As I remind my congregation, we spend this by stopping by the coffee shop every week for convenience.”

In the 11-plus years Father David has served as pastor, the chapel has flourished, nearly tripling in the number of families. When Father David first arrived, St. Thomas had 450 registered families; today it is approaching 1,300.

Early returns on the campaign have been encouraging with more than $200,000 raised in the first two weeks, which Father David said is indicative of the community’s resolve to see the project to completion.

“The entire community of St. Margaret is excited for the program,” Father David said. “Visitors from Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas who own camps on Lake Maurepas and the Tickfaw and Blood Rivers frequent St. Thomas for worship. Weddings are always in demand.”

Renovations will also help St. Thomas and St. Margaret better serve a blossoming community. Once a sleepy enclave in southeast Livingston civil Parish. Springfield is now experiencing somewhat of a population boom, especially among families who are seeking affordable housing and a safe environment. 

Planned subdivisions are sprouting up throughout the area and a major golf resort/business meeting center attracts thousands of visitors annually. 

Unity among St. Thomas and St. Margaret has also been a contributor. 

Father David explained that when he arrived 11 years ago, he encountered two communities that were fragmented. Since that time, he said parishioners have united to say they are members of St. Margaret Parish with two worship spaces.

“Thus everything is shared,” Father David said. “Parishioners who frequent St. Thomas Chapel were instrumental in the renovation of St. Margaret Church; those who primarily worship at St. Margaret will also be instrumental in the renovation of St. Thomas.”

Continued supply chain shortages  mean renovations will not start until September, Father David said. But fresh off of a major renovation at St. Margaret, he is eager to don his hard hat, read a few blueprints along the way and get the work started.

 “I find excitement in seeing how fresh varnish, artistic touches and an improved lighting and mechanics will bring glory to God and will help aide in worship,” he said.