REstoring the Past, Welcoming the Future

Generosity is in St. Mary’s roots. From Sarah Gibbs’ initial bequest to the recent renovation of the rectory, we have reaped the benefits of past generations and shared our own gifts for future ones. Recently, Lynne and David Burke continued this legacy by making possible the restoration of the door on the south side of the historic church.

While Lynne and David may be newer members to St. Mary’s, their roots are deep here. Lynne’s grandfather, the Rev. Canon Arthur Roebuck served as the tenth rector of St. Mary’s, and Lynne’s mother Ellen Anne Roebuck was born during that time and went from the hospital to the rectory. Lynne’s mother, grandparents, and aunt and uncle and their spouses are all buried in the church yard. 

When the need to restore the church door, which is over 100 years old, arose, Lynne and David stepped forward to fund the project in memory of Ellen Anne Roebuck. Lynne shared,  "We have made this gift to celebrate my mother’s deep Christian faith and lifetime bond with St. Mary's and as a reflection of her warm and welcoming personality."

As in any home, the front door of St. Mary’s is the first impression of our commitment to both the community that has gathered and prayed in this church for almost two centuries as well as to those who come to worship today. Allyson at Scott Doors and Windows of Warren went deep into the bones of the doors to skillfully restore them.

The work on the doors involved carefully removing the doors so as not to damage the old latches and hinges and bringing them to Allyson’s shop. At the shop, she was able to pull off some of the relief and assess the damage. There was extensive rot where water had accumulated behind the moldings as well as at the base of

the door. Allyson replaced the rotting portions of the door core, scarfed new veneer onto the areas that were beyond repair, and then created a finish that blends the old with the new. The epoxies that were used in the repair of the doors should provide a long-term repair that future generations can enjoy. 

St. Mary’s has been an important part of Portsmouth and the surrounding community for 179 years. We are blessed to be stewards of this property and for maintaining and preserving it for future generations. The costs of doing so go beyond the routine cost of operation, and the generosity of parish members such as the Burkes that allows us to take on projects like this.

The door before and after the restoration.