The first thing people notice about Holy Cross is that we have a wonderful new building. It was consecrated in 2005, the culmination of the dreams and work of our congregation over several years. Attached to it is the tiny, historic building in which Holy Cross worshiped for over 100 years. Today this building, built in East Weare in 1893 and moved to its present site when East Weare was condemned for the flood control project in 1960, is used for children’s formation programs.
We designed the new building for dual use by the church and the community. Its architecture echoes the traditions of rural New Hampshire: post and beam supports, clear glass windows, simple dignity and beauty. At the same time, it is designed for flexible use. We have comfortable chairs rather than fixed pews. Rooms are open and light.
You enter the building and find yourself in a spacious, welcoming Gathering Space. Here worshipers visit before services and enjoy coffee and refreshments afterwards. Community groups can also use this space for small meetings. Through glass doors, you pass into the Worship Space–a high, sunny room with Italian tile floor and upholstered wood chairs. Focal points in the Worship Space are the Baptismal Font, Lectern and Presider’s Chair that come from the old church. A new Altar Table, built by parishioner Richard Harbour, centers the room. We have a fine new digital organ as well as a piano. In one corner of the Worship Space is an area for private prayer, centered on an icon of Christ the Teacher and the Tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Downstairs in the new building is the large Parish Hall. More than a dozen community groups use this space during the week for scout groups, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, meetings and private parties. (See Community Center for information on building use.) The Parish Hall opens onto a sunken area behind the building where we plan a future terrace and, beyond it, a Memorial Garden for the interment of cremains. There is a large kitchen adjacent to the Parish Hall.
In the old building there are spaces for our children’s formation programs. (See Children’s Formation–about our programs.) These are based on the Montessori method, which is quiet and worshipful, so the building which housed generations of praying Weare residents continues to be used for prayer today.
The property contains ample parking, lighted for use at night. We are grateful to those whose generosity in contributing money, time and talents made it possible. We are blessed to be able to make our building available to the Weare community for use.