The former church, and sometime Newark public library and warehouse, has been restored to its former glory and is now used for receptions, lectures and recitals. A 1902 limited-edition Steinway piano has been placed in the nave, and a custom built pipe organ will be added to the balcony next spring.

“The restoration of the old St. Thomas Episcopal Church is one of the most important projects in Newark’s recent history, for both the student body and the wider community,” says Bernard Herman, UD professor of art history and senior research fellow in the Center for Historic Architecture and Design. “As one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revivalist architecture in the United States, the building has not only local but national significance.”

A brick pathway leads past a stately maple tree and landscaped gardens to this important monument to Newark’s past, renamed in honor of the Greenville, Del., resident who made major contributions to its restoration. From the outside, the former church has the imposing look of a castle. Inside, it is airy, yet surprisingly intimate. Diffused sunlight streams through large stained-glass windows to light on wooden floors and wainscotting, freshly painted and stenciled walls and wrought-iron lamps.

“The former church was not always given the appreciation it deserved,” says Herman. “Many years ago, there was talk of demolishing the building and replacing it with a WaWa, a 7-11 or a movie theatre. Sites like this were seen as expendable.”

“Today, the historic value of the property is undisputed. But, by current standards, the initial price of the property was a bargain, costing church founders just $70. The original structure, a modest, single-level building, cost about $3,825 to build.

“Saint Thomas Parish church was designed in 1843 in the Gothic Revival style, possibly by Richard Upjohn, and dedicated in 1845,” says Herman. “Later, in 1866, the tower was built and the building enlarged.”

The building has served a number of functions since its cornerstone was laid. For more than a century, it fulfilled its original purpose as a place of worship. But as the congregation grew, its members found they needed more space. Reluctantly, they sold the property, keeping only the graveyard on its eastern flank, and moved to a new location on South College Avenue.

From 1956 to 1974, the church functioned as a public library. Today, it is still fondly referred to as “the old Newark library” by many residents. But, after 18 years, the small space was again outgrown. The library moved to a new building on Library Avenue and a real-estate investor bought the old church. In 1996, the University purchased the building, along with two adjacent houses, for around $400,000.

The two derelict and ill-positioned houses on the property were razed, but the decision was made to restore the church.

“The University has restored a number of historic buildings, such as Elliott Hall, Evans House and Daugherty Hall, and we wanted to continue that tradition,” David Hollowell, UD’s executive vice president, says.

The restoration project was ambitious, considering the building’s condition.

“In 1996, the church was within a couple of years of falling down,” Hollowell says. “The roof had been leaking and water had seeped down inside the walls, causing extensive structural damage. The 12-inch-thick brick walls had absorbed water and were starting to dissolve. When repair work began, the plaster fell off because all the nails inside the walls had rusted through. There was nothing left to hold it up.”

To remedy the problem, says Hollowell, structural support was needed. Heavy bolts and new mortar were added. Epoxy was injected into the walls to harden them and keep them from further disintegrating.

Wherever possible, the restoration team tried to encapsulate the building’s history rather than re-build. Myriad layers of paint, wallpaper, plaster and brick remain hidden beneath what shows today. The restoration was ideal for student research in various fields.

“This project was a cooperative effort involving a number of disciplines: art conservation, art history, design, history of religion and architecture,” Herman says. “Student researchers uncovered and helped replicate original stencil work, colors and plaster elements.”

The magnificent piano is also a work of art. Manufactured in Queens, N.Y., the Steinway & Sons piano features an ornate Louis XVI case of mahogany, maple and poplar, which is decorated in the Baroque style with gold leaf. It was most likely a special-order instrument that originally cost around $4,500. Its value today probably exceeds $250,000.

After gracing the home of Col. Henry Algernon du Pont in Washington, D.C., the piano was given to the University in 1943 by Col. du Pont’s daughter, Louisa Evelina du Pont Crowninshield. At that time, the piano was returned to the Steinway factory for rebuilding, at a cost of $500. The tab was picked up by Mary Raub Evans, wife of University Trustee Charles Black Evans.

The rebuilt piano was placed in the lounge of Warner Residence Hall, where it was used by UD students until 1998. It was again rebuilt by Steinway, this time at a cost of $20,000, and it is now a showpiece in Bayard Sharp Hall.

“The piano has been beautifully reconditioned,” says Julie Nishimura, faculty accompanist for the Department of Music. “It feels like a brand-new instrument. And, it’s very easy to play because of the live acoustics in the room.”

Rounding out its new identity as a recital hall, Bayard Sharp Hall will be outfitted next spring with a custom-built Dobson pipe organ. Currently being built in Lake City, Iowa, at a cost of $350,000, the mechanical-action organ will feature 18 registers, 21 stops, 22 ranks and 1,234 pipes. A major portion of the funding has been donated by Edward and Naomi Jefferson of Greenville, Del., and the interior of the building will be known as the Jefferson Music Gallery in recognition of their donation.

In preparation for the installation of the organ, the balcony was steel-reinforced, says Hollowell. Other recent changes include updating electrical systems and plumbing, installing new heating and air-conditioning systems and adding handicapped-accessible ramps.

“St. Thomas Episcopal church now has new life,” says Herman.

“In restoring the building,” he says, “the University has demonstrated its continuing sensitivity to its responsibility as a steward in the community. The project has engaged students not only in research but also in community service. This building will continue to teach and stand out as an example of institutional vision and social responsibility.”

Bayard Sharp Hall is open to visitors when concerts and lectures are scheduled. Call the music department at (302) 831-2577 for performance information or visit its web page at <www. udel.edu/ music>. For a calendar of University events, call UD1-HENS or visit the web site at <www. udel.edu/ events>.