The friends and family of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church continue to pursue their vision. During 1998-99 we completed our rectory renovation and successfully established it at the new site. We did so while maintaining and nurturing the long term vision for the future of the property, the parish, and its successors .
In 2000 we completed obtaining approvals from local government agencies for the new church building and began fund raising in earnest.
In 2001 we began excavating the wooded nine acre site, creating a new driveway which will serve both the rectory and the future church parking area. Work also began on the retention pond and waste management facilities. With this work the vision has begun to materialize. Needless to say there is still much to do.
In 2002 work slowed as we waited for closure of the sale of our beloved old church property near downtown Danbury and fundraising. Our committment to our goal was underlined when we held a groundbreaking ceremony and the future church was blessed and prepared for the construction to come. We hoped to begin the building in 2003, but unfortunately we were delayed again, awaiting the needed funds from the state. Our new target for starting the building was then the summer of 2004, and this appeared possible after we signed construction contracts, but in the end we were delayed again awaiting the old property's sale completion.
As of December 2004, the building project was in full swing, and progressed well early as we were blessed with an unusually mild early winter. In early 2005 things got tougher as the weather became more difficult. In April 2005, excavation and walls of the basement were complete. Steel work began in April 2005 with wooden framing soon after. October through December were busy months when we did siding, electrical, and heating systems. A full chronology is available by clicking here. Providing funds are available, the building could be ready for use in early 2006, although under current funding, with many deferred elements.
Though these decisions will be made month to month as the project progresses, some items currently planned for deferral are: the onion domes; new kitchen appliances; wood and tile finishes for floors; interior trimwork and cabinets; air conditioning; optional bathrooms; etc. These and many other elements will be added over years as funding is available. Please consider helping with a donation of any size.
Holy Scriptures say, "For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past" (Psalm 90:4). Similarly, Holy Trinity realizes that time is fleeting and today's decisions provide the groundwork for those who follow behind us. Our hopes, dreams, plans and actions provide the foundation for our children and others who follow in the new millennium. In this light we have always spoken of our work here as a 'Hundred Year Project', implying that this church and grounds will be 'under construction' for decades as refinements are added by those who follow us.
