Featured Renovation Projects

St. LEO THE GREAT CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in historic Demopolis, AL was built in 1904 and has undergone a series of renovations, including one to the sanctuary and apse due to fire damage. Planning for the project began in March 2020, and the church was rededicated by HIs Excellency Bishop Stephen Raica on March 19, 2021. The project’s goal was to restore the beauty of traditional elements while being guided by principles of liturgical theology to foster greater understanding of worship and devotion and to engage parishioners and visitors in the heavenly mysteries of the sacraments.

The project scope included new gothic-style pews, a new altar rail inspired by historic photos, modified antique reredos donated and restored by parishioners, and coordinating new altar of sacrifice with integral marble Mensa, new elevated chalice-style ambo, and new gothic confessional constructed in the base of the bell tower. Matching the refinished historic floors of the nave, custom reclaimed longleaf pine was laid in herringbone pattern in the sanctuary and inlaid with intricate marble borders around the base of the new altar of sacrifice and refinished baptismal font in the baptistry. A new architectural paint scheme elevates the architecture of the apse and sanctuary with decorative and liturgical themes including the Holy Spirit above the altar to highlight the Trinitarian dimension of the sacred liturgy. With New Holland and Murals by Jericho.

Dedicated March 2021

“Studio io provided us with a beautiful partnership that was rooted in the authentic Catholic tradition. Ultimately, our dream blossomed into an impeccable manifestation of what the Church has in her mind for sacred architecture. Rooted in the authentic principles of the Second Vatican Council, the guidance what we received from Studio io cleared the path for an architectural overhauling that was both contemporary and refreshing. Their knowledge of the theological and liturgical principles kept the entire process both rooted in the classical tradition and faithful to what the Church asks of us in the present times. Indeed, as has been noted in many liturgical journals since it’s completion in March of 2021, the sacred architecture in St. Leo Parish is now continuously professing a most profound testament to both faith and reconciliation in a little corner of western Alabama.”

– Very Rev. Justin Ward, STL, Pastor, St. Leo the Great; Vicar for Sacred Liturgy

Read more about this project from Liturgical Arts Journal here and here and from the West Alabama watchman here.