As the initial effort of its planned long-term growth, Saint Thomas Church sought a sensitive expansion to its historic Haws Memorial Chapel primarily to host intimate weddings and provide a venue for choral practices. Having previously produced a comprehensive plan for the church’s 40-acre site, VMA was able to step seamlessly into the role of executing the first phase of the plan’s implementation.

For its design, VMA added a new chapel addition to the existing sanctuary, which would accommodate a meeting  room and chorale suite to support  the church’s strong music program. The addition seamlessly integrates into the existing building by cladding it in the same distinctive red sandstone and slate roofing of the original. Inside, hammer beam trusses recall the exposed truss structure of the main sanctuary. Lastly, a stained-glass rose window, which had long slept in storage, was exhumed, restored, and installed in the east well gable.