Coventry Cross invites public to celebrate parish hall expansion

by Sharlene Irete

People Editor

Coventry Cross Episcopal Church is hosting an open house on Sunday to introduce the new parish hall to the community. The church recently underwent a remodeling effort that added more than 2,200 square feet to the original church.

"I've been here for 19 years and it's been in the works for 19 years," said Father Shep Curtis. "Actually, the renovation has been five years of concentrated effort."

Curtis said the remodel has given the congregation more accessibility to the church.

"The main issue was the American Disabilities Act. We kept that in the forefront because so many of our congregation are over 70," he said. "There's better accessibility including handicapped parking."

The cross in the chapel is the church's namesake - a carved stone cross that originated in the cathedral of St. Michael in Coventry, England. The original church was moved from Smith Valley in 1954. The remodeling effort included adding a new kitchen, upstairs office and conference rooms. The church can accommodate groups up to 100 people for meetings and weddings.

Regular services will be held at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday with an open house featuring light refreshments following at 2 to 5 p.m.

Coventry Cross Episcopal Church is at 1631 Esmeralda Ave. in Minden.

Information, 782-4161.