When a church in Thunderbolt closed its doors, a couple restored it while honoring its character and history.
Written by MARY CORNETTA
Photography courtesy SOUTHERN BELLE and JDR CONSTRUCTION
ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED IN 1902, this Thunderbolt structure served as St. Luke’s Lutheran Church from 1931 until the building was sold in 2022.
New owners Cynthia Creighton-Jones and her husband, Alan Barnes, wanted to keep the essence of the church while transforming it into a dwelling space. They turned to John Roberts of JDR Construction & Design for his expertise, having worked with him on previous projects. “We had him come by to take a look from the very beginning,” says Creighton-Jones.
They collectively realized the need for an architect, and Roberts referred them to a well-established local firm familiar with the area’s architectural history.
“I knew of the property and its potential, so having the opportunity to work on it with such great people was very appealing to say the least,” says Patrick Phelps of Hansen Architects. Creighton-Jones and Barnes collaborated closely with Phelps to develop plans that would revive the building while also celebrating its original purpose.
Roberts notes that from a construction perspective, “it was not a particularly complicated project, though preserving the integrity and history of the church while creating living space was top of mind throughout our time on the project.”
The building’s makeover included adding a Gothic-style arch to the front porch overhang, which features a haint blue ceiling as a nod to local culture. Arched windows flank either side of the staircase, and, as you enter, three more arches can be seen straight ahead at the back of the sanctuary.
The larger, middle passthrough arch and a smaller one over a doorway to the left were part of the original structure. “I wanted it so that when you walk in, you see symmetry,” explains Creighton-Jones. “So, we had John and his team recreate the other arched doorway to the right.”
Between the front entrance and the back of the sanctuary is a larger-than-life living space. Under the separate sitting areas, dining room table, and baby grand piano (the only piece of furniture the new owners bought with the property), lies original hardwood flooring. The beadboard walls and ceilings were also preserved. While the windows were replaced, the owners decided to mimic the original stained glass detail using colorful film that catches the sunlight.
Just in front of the arches in the back is an open kitchen with a long, sleek marble island and top-of-the-line appliances. “We put the stove with a nice, big counter where the original altar was, which I think was very appropriate since I’ve been praying to the kitchen gods all my life,” says Creighton-Jones, whose culinary background includes her own catering business, Cape Creations, and years as executive chef at local institutions like The Chatham Club and The DeSoto.
Previously, a small kitchen and a couple of bathrooms were located on an enclosed porch on the other side of this wall. After inspecting it, Phelps discovered that it “had severe structural concerns and the logical next step was to replace it with a new addition for the bedrooms and bathrooms.” The result was a contemporary, two-story addition that complements the original building and comfortably sleeps eight to 10 people.
Just beyond the kitchen, on the other side of the arched serving hatch, they added a breakfast bar, a pantry, a housekeeping closet, a washer and dryer, a workspace, and a sitting area, complete with a pull-out couch. A bedroom and a bathroom are tucked back on either side, and upstairs there are two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. “Every bedroom has its own bathroom, which is a bit unusual, but people want their own space,” says Creighton-Jones. “We realized if you’re going to build, build and don’t skimp on it.”
The old HVAC system was replaced, automatic lighting was added to each bedroom closet, and USB ports were included with each outlet. Despite the modern details, the addition was designed to serve as a counterpart to the sanctuary. Brazilian cherrywood floors, subway and penny shower tile, and the toilets (all from Habitat for Humanity ReStore) were installed on the first and second stories. The wooden door frames intentionally resemble the sanctuary’s framed arches and windows. Both upstairs bedrooms contain a charming sloped ceiling.
The renovation won a Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award earlier this year. “Visiting for the first time felt like walking into a Sunday service,” recalls Phelps. “Now it provides space for a new type of congregation.”
Project Details
- Year built: 1902
- Year purchased: 2022
- Square footage: 3,200
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4 full
- Time to complete renovation: 7 months
- Architect/planner: Patrick Phelps of Hansen Architects
- Interior designer: Alan Barnes (homeowner)
- Contractor/builder: John Roberts of JDR Construction & Design
- Tile/flooring: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Floor & Decor
- Paint: Alta Paint & Decor
- Windows/doors: Guerry Lumber
- Kitchen and bath design: Hansen Architects, JDR Construction & Design, and homeowners
- Landscape/hardscape design: Tactical Turf Team, homeowners
- Audio/visual: Best Buy
- Plumber: Parkside Plumbing
- HVAC: Air Solutions Heating and Cooling
- Appliances: Frigidaire, KitchenAid and Electrolux sourced from Livingood’s Appliances & Bedding
