The distance, while literal, was like a chasm that she believed could be felt spiritually within the multicultural congregation. In response, St. Paul's has created a revolutionary new interactive worship space. On November 3, at 6 p.m., St. Paul's will celebrate the union of clergy and church members as its new sanctuary, free of pews, is dedicated.

"We needed to become more relevant as a church," Herrera said. "Traditionally, actions occurring at a raised altar -- hard to see by many -- have represented important symbols of worship. However, the most important symbol in worship is the assembly of believers. It is the gathered community that lets us know God is present and acting in the world. Therefore, the worship experience needed to be radically changed to reflect the importance of that symbol."

The changes took place during a two-year renovation project funded by the congregation's endowment.

Parishioners will worship in a circle. St. Paul's has eschewed its pews, exposing a hardwood floor "that creates an openness which is both calming and inviting," a St. Paul's announcement says. "Silver dew-drop lights illuminate the 2,000 square feet of space, and ornate pine rafters add to the setting." Thirteen Tiffany stained glass windows adorn the walls and a marble floor shows in the old chancel at the east end. The pulpit is in the center of the new design. Every piece of furniture in the space is flexible and can be reconfigured. 

"Oak cathedral chairs with padded seats and backs create a circle of worshipping that allows people to experience a face-to-face worshipping community," the release adds.

Montgomery County dignitaries, representatives of the Cheltenham Area Multi-Faith Council, St. Paul's congregants, and the local community are invited to celebrate the November 3 ribbon-cutting event. A dedication liturgy is scheduled for November 4.

Herrera said the circular format allows parishioners to see all aspects of the liturgy from all vantage points and to hear clearly due to a new sound system with speakers in the front and the back of the sanctuary. The choir will be seated with the congregation.

"Now someone in the choir can sit next to a spouse or a friend during a Sunday  service," added Herrera. "The choir's importance arises from their full membership in the assembly and not from a pseudo association with the clergy."

The Rhoads Rood Screen, given in memory of World War II veterans, is being used to create an entrance to the Founders' Chapel, where a number of renovated pews are aligned for meditation and the many memorials to the founders grace the walls.

St. Paul's cornerstone was laid in September 1860 and the bishop of Pennsylvania consecrated the new church on May 16, 1861. More recently, St. Paul's has been joined by parishioners of St. Matthias Church when that congregation closed its doors in 1992 and its sacred vessels were dedicated and incorporated into its communion service.

Part of Herrera's vision is to open St. Paul's space to the community for lectures, for social events, for concerts and for use by non-profit organizations.

"It's a gift we want to share with the community," she said.