Building a new worship space or embarking on a renovation of your worship space doesn’t have to mean abandoning features that are steeped in tradition. In fact, some of our favorite renovation projects at New Holland Church Furniture involve the creative reuse of existing elements to enhance a church interior or the synagogue’s worship space.
We define creative reuse as producing artistic work by creating something new out of the old. Reusing church furniture or reviving elements in a synagogue is a way to keep tradition while embracing new, functional elements.
If you love your existing pew ends, want to preserve prevailing furniture pieces, or even convert built-in elements into free-standing furniture, we can work with you on a variety of restoration projects to reclaim heirloom pieces and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
We can also add architectural detail to existing pieces or even duplicate ornate patterns. Our expert artisans are happy to work with you to preserve and protect what is most meaningful for your congregation.
Your Worship Space Should
Preserve Tradition and Embrace Innovation
As leaders of churches and synagogues, you face the delicate challenge of preserving the beloved aspects of your existing furniture while modernizing and improving your worship spaces. The desire to maintain historical and sentimental value often collides with the need for functionality and aesthetic upgrades. This dilemma can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling uncertain and concerned about the future of your worship environment.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can hold onto the tradition your congregation so dearly loves while enhancing your worship space with new furniture that is safe, comfortable, and functional.
Reusing church furniture in your new design can mean anything from giving it a fresh stain, repairing ornate details, or reupholstering old church pews. We can collaborate with you to keep as much or as little of your current worship space as you’d like. Just get in touch with a rep today to discuss your wishes with us.
Why Should You Choose
Creative Reuse of Old Church Furniture?
Creative reuse is the art of revitalizing existing church furniture to meet contemporary needs while maintaining its historical essence. This approach not only saves resources but also breathes new life into your worship space. Whether it’s through repurposed church pews or restoring pew end panels, reusing church or synagogue furniture is a sustainable choice that can at times be more cost effective.
Preserve History
Creative reuse helps preserve history by retaining the original craftsmanship and materials that embody the cultural and spiritual heritage of the church or synagogue. It allows future generations to experience and appreciate the legacy embedded in their worship space, creating a tangible connection to their past.
Enhance Aesthetics
Innovative design solutions to reuse furniture creatively ensure your worship space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These solutions include integrating multimedia capabilities discreetly into existing furniture or redesigning layouts to improve flow and accessibility, making the space more engaging and inclusive.
Sustainable Choice
Creatively reusing church furniture or synagogue pieces contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for new raw materials, thereby conserving natural resources and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, it decreases waste by giving existing furniture an extended life, which helps lower your overall carbon footprint.
Cost-Effective
When you put our woodworking skills to good use to creatively reuse old church furniture, it can be cost-effective because it eliminates the need to purchase entirely new furniture, potentially reducing overall expenses. Additionally, it extends the lifespan of existing pieces, maximizing the value of initial investments.
Get Inspired:
Here are just a few examples of successful church renovation projects that incorporated various elements of creative reuse. These projects demonstrate our versatility and the depth of our custom craftsmanship. They are also here to give you ideas on how reusing church or synagogue furniture can be done in a tasteful and cohesive manner.
Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate – Guelph, Ontario, Canada
A Gothic revival style building built between 1875 and 1883, this majestic church was designated as a basilica by Pope Francis in 2014 after the completion of their long-awaited restoration. It was a challenging project where the unique late 19th-century end panels were restored, some requiring significant repair and affixed to new pew bodies.
Third Presbyterian Church – Rochester, NY
This stunning stone structure has been part of the East Avenue Historic District in Rochester since 1894. The church, steeped in tradition, knew that replacing their woodwork in a recent renovation was out of the question. The particularly ornate end panels were removed from the deteriorating pew bodies, refurbished, and retrofitted with new curved backs and seats. To facilitate contemporary liturgy, existing built-in chancel pieces were modified to become free-standing, portable pieces. Historical details were captured in the new baptismal font, choir screen, and new clergy seats, complementing the original furniture details.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church – Spartanburg, SC
St. Paul’s had grown out of its 250-seat, 100-year-old historic worship space years ago. A new church was built after 20 years of planning with the same landmark flair. Reclaimed pew ends from a 140-year-old church were repurposed, adding new pew bodies and new life for generations to come.
Trinity Church – Princeton, NJ
This historic Episcopal (Anglican) parish, well known for its vibrant choir program, effectively refurbished its French Gothic detailed choir stalls. Our team was successful in duplicating intricately carved details for new choir stalls, retrofitting existing stalls, and adding new choir pews and modesty screens with matching details. This renovation provided the additional space needed to continue the more than 135-year-old music tradition, which transforms worship through the transcendent power of music.
Get Started!
Ready to preserve the heritage of your sacred worship space? Find a rep today to get started!
What Types of Furniture Can Be Repurposed?
Creative reuse allows you to keep the elements you love while improving functionality and appearance. You don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation. Almost all church furniture types can be creatively reused, whether wood or upholstered. Some examples include:
- Altars and Altarpieces: Restoring an altar can revive the focal point of your worship space.
- Pulpits & Lecterns: Old pulpits and lecterns can be refurbished to fit modern spaces.
- Pews: Transform old pews with new upholstery or redesign them into radius curved pews.
- Benches & Chairs: Update existing chairs and benches to match new aesthetic goals.
- Architectural Woodwork: Enhance or restore woodwork to complement your worship space.
Want to Start on Your Worship Space Renovation
While Reusing Church Furniture?
With over 70 years of experience, New Holland Church Furniture is a reliable partner in crafting high-quality, custom church and synagogue furniture. Our commitment to old-world craftsmanship, design expertise, and quality values ensures that we exceed your expectations on every project.
Don’t settle for less. Embrace the power of creative reuse with New Holland Church Furniture. Contact us today to start your journey towards a beautifully restored worship space that honors your heritage and meets contemporary standards while reusing church or synagogue furniture.
