St. Patrick’s Church

St. Patrick’s Church, situated in historic downtown Walla Walla, Washington, is a Gothic-style building that was founded in 1859. This 167-year-old institution is renowned for its exquisite Italian marble, particularly its stunning high altar. However, like many places of worship, it underwent significant alterations due to the design trends of the 1970s, which stripped away much of its original character.

Although the high altar remained intact, it had become soiled and etched from years of neglect and improper maintenance. The communion rail, added after the church’s initial construction, had been dismantled and repurposed into a makeshift baptismal font surrounding an inexpensive plastic tub.

In 2023, driven by a deep appreciation for tradition, church leaders embarked on transformative renovations to restore the church’s historical significance and rekindle its former glory.

The renovation project involved gutting the sanctuary down to its core, focusing on restoring the high altar, creating a new baptismal font, and restructuring the communion rail using existing pieces alongside salvaged materials from the dismantled font.

Deciding to forgo the mismatched salvaged pieces, the church leaders desired to redesign the communion rail to better complement the high altar and enhance the overall aesthetic of the space. Drone technology was utilized to photograph and scan the intricate details of the nearly 20-foot-high altar, facilitating a cohesive design for a new communion rail that aligns with the Gothic style of the altar. The restoration of the high altar included a thorough cleaning and refinishing of its surfaces, with special care taken to address deep-seated stains.

The new baptismal font features finely sculpted images of Irish saints Patrick and Brigid and is crafted from Bianco Carrara marble, further enhancing the church’s historical significance and marking a renewed commitment to its rich heritage.