Future Projects

Saint Bernard’s Church is looking to the future regarding its ministry to the community in the new millennium. Two projects are in the wings, to be taken up once the rebuild of the church is complete.

THE PARISH HOUSE

The first of our forward looking projects is a Historic Preservation Plan for the Parish House. Designed by the famous turn of the century architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (1847-1918), the building has been home to countless parish and community ministries over the years. During two rebuild church projects, the first beginning in 1957 and the second beginning in 2004, the Great Hall of the Parish House has served as the temporary worship space of the congregation.

As a historic building approaching its first centennial, the Parish House is in need of attention in terms of its aging structures and viability for the ministry needs of the church and community. Overall designs for refurbishing have so far focused on a reconfigured office space for staff and a new layout for educational classrooms, as well as enlarged and additional bathrooms. An elevator for handicap accessibility is also included, along with a complete overhaul of roof and stonework. The hope of adding a new entryway, as well as a new kitchen, both accessible from the level of the upper parking lot, is also being mulled.

The parish leadership is currently working with Historic Building Architects of Trenton, the firm that has oversight of the rebuild of the church building, on the initial thinking of this Historic Preservation Plan for Saint Bernard’s Parish House.

SAINT BERNARD’S CEMETERY

The Cemetery of Saint Bernard’s Parish, located across town at 60 Washington Avenue, is a valuable asset of the church. It is a foundation of historical significance (1903) and is the resting place of many of the past century's leading citizens from Bernardsville and the Somerset Hills.

Initial thinking has begun on ways to promote the ministry of the cemetery and expand its serviceability to the wider community. It is an institution open to people of all faiths, not restricted to Episcopalians.

The buildings and grounds, while well kept under the current management arrangements, will require attention in the future. With this in mind, a new promotion and development of the cemetery is under consideration and will continue to be as it moves into its second century of service.

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For conversation about the Future Projects of Saint Bernard's Church, please speak with the clergy, whose contact information is available through the Parish Office (Telephone: 908-766-0602, extension 5 or E-mail: saintbernards@verizon.net).