On Wednesday, September 9, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez blessed the site that will soon house a new church to replace one that burned down just a year prior. The Church of the Visitation in Westphalia, TX was one of the oldest and largest wooden churches in the state when it tragically caught fire and burned down on July 29, 2019. While the cause of the fire was officially listed as undetermined, speculation around old electrical equipment in the place of origin in one of the bell towers suggest this as a possible cause. The building itself and most of its contents were fortunately covered by insurance, at least replacement value.
As the parish received a new pastor, native son Rev. Darrell Kostiha, to lead the rebuilding project, Studio io was brought on board to assist the parish and Design/Build Contractor and Architect of Record K4 Construction determine what should be retained from the original design and reincorporated into the new plans, and what should be changed. The obvious changes include required upgrades such as a fire sprinkler system and on-site storage tank due to the church’s rural location, modern smoke detection, adequate restrooms and egress exiting to comply with modern building codes, and the like. The Diocese of Austin emphasized the need for a building to honor the prior church’s rich heritage to again be a place of beauty for the celebration of the liturgy, and also to have every consideration for a safe and functional modern building.
The Studio io process involved leading discussions around these tricky topics, assessing at each level considerations about liturgical use, symbolism, and aesthetics, as well as circulation and maintenance, addressing code requirements, and balancing an authentic treatment of tradition and the heritage with desires from some in the parish to make particular changes or upgrades. Some of the decisions were cost-natural, and others involve an assessment of what additional expense the parish might be able to bear incurring. Overall, the building is respectful of its predecessor and heavily inspired by the original, but does bear several changes that include an overall larger footprint to accommodate larger restrooms and support space, while keeping the seat count relatively in line with what it was before.
Among the most tragic aspects of what was lost in the fire were the stained glass windows from Munich, hand-painted plaster statuary and stations of the cross, and the ornate hand-carved wooden high altar and side altars. The stained glass will be replaced by Bryan / College Station artist Foster Stained Glass, mostly as reproductions of the original windows, although some windows that had been procured at a later date will be modified to incorporate particular saints corresponding to the religious communities to which the parish has contributed several vocations throughout its almost 125-year history. The high altar will be reproduced as a reredos and matched with a new altar of sacrifice, ambo, baptismal font, and chairs, and the side altars will likewise be reproduced as votive shrines – all using the same materials and techniques as the originals. German studio Albl Oberammergau, who are providing the furnishings, will also be producing higher-quality wooden statues and stations of the cross, all designed to complement the church interiors and replica furnishings. Pews will be modifications based on the overall look of the originals, provided by New Holland Seating.
The only major item lost that was not covered by insurance was the pipe organ. The parish is working with an organ consultant and looking at options for used and new organs that might be appropriate to the church’s size and design. If you are interested in contributing to the project to offset the cost of additional expenses for the church project, please contact the Diocese of Austin’s office for Stewardship and Development.
Read the full story from KXXV News on the Groundbreaking here.