Q) Why did the design on the new church change from the original design with a dome and arched windows to the current design that is much more square? The original design was beautiful and the new design looks cheaper. Was it because of budget cuts?

A) Short answer would be yes, but that answer would be somewhat a narrow view. 

It is important to understand the difference between a schematic design and the actual functional design.  The schematic design, the design the individual asking our question refers to as domed and arched in structural features, comes from an ideal that the architects designed based upon responses from parishioners is an initial vision. The working design is created later in the process.  Typically a working design occurs after the capital campaign process is well underway.  

Once we, Holy Trinity Parish, moved into the working design stage with the design team, made up of parishioners that worked with the architects and other professionals (lighting, sound and furnishings), the design was adjusted based upon the results of the capital campaign and establishing final material costs. Wood and steel costs came in higher due to circumstances beyond our control.  

It should be noted that the design team took into consideration maintenance of the church over a period of time which influenced some design aspects. The parish design team members, at all times, were committed to ensuring the Holy Trinity Church design incorporated traditional Catholic elements while being good stewards of the financial resources that were being provided from capital campaign donors.  

Would we had preferred to have the schematic design.... probably.  But, the design team followed the process and has created a beautiful church to continue to spread the Catholic faith and make disciples here in Webster County for the next hundred years.  We pray that it is found pleasing to our LORD.