Recreating Historic Architectural Elements

Client: Church of the Holy Communion
Location: Charleston, SC

This Charleston, South Carolina church and its associated buildings suffered extensive roof and interior water damage at the hands of Hurricane Hugo. Knowing Church Restoration Group’s reputation for excellence in historic restoration, the Historic Charleston Foundation referred CRG to the Church of the Holy Communion.

Much of the metal roof had been ripped off, and there was substantial water damage to interior, including the plaster and gesso surfaces, and the stained glass windows in the sanctuary. A local roofing contractor had been selected by the church to replace the copper standing-seam roof. During installation, the contractor set roof ablaze, causing an additional half-million dollars in damage to the building.

Following the fire, the challenge was to recreate the hammer-beam trusses and the matching roof deck, which was the finished ceiling in church. Church Restoration Group brought shop equipment on site, and fabricated by hand hundreds of pieces to match and blend with existing elements of the roof system.

“Hurricane Hugo caused substantial damage throughout Charleston,” recalls David Mistick, president of Church Restoration Group. “Holy Communion was one of the churches hit hardest, first sustaining major roof damage then a fire. Our staff stayed on site for more than a year to ensure its full restoration.”