In anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2024, St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, VA underwent a significant sanctuary renovation. Rugo Stone, working with architect O’Brien & Keane and the parish, was entrusted with the sensitive task of dismantling, modifying, and reinstalling existing marble assemblies while introducing new liturgical furnishings.
The scope included dismantling and relocating the main altar, fabricating and installing a new rear altar in Botticino Classico marble, relocating statues, the tabernacle, and a marble baptismal font, and modifying the altar rail to widen the center gate. Rugo also furnished a new marble ambo and commissioned a hand-carved Madonna statue. All marble components were carefully cataloged, crated, and restored before reinstallation. Rigging systems and 3D scanning ensured precise handling and reproduction of complex profiles.
The new altar and ambo, produced in Italy, featured ornate carvings, Breccia Aurora marble inlays, and intricate mosaic accents of Verde Issoire, Nero Belgio, and Porfido Rosso, with joints as tight as 1/32”. Venetian glass and gold mosaics added to the artistry. Each piece was dry-laid for review before shipment and installation. The Madonna statue, carved from Bianco Carrara marble, was developed through clay models, CNC pre-carving, and extensive hand carving, resulting in a life-like figure with refined expression and drapery.
Executed on time and within budget, the project exemplifies Rugo Stone’s precision, craftsmanship, and respect for sacred spaces. Through collaboration between client, architect, artisans, and overseas partners, St. James Catholic Church’s sanctuary was renewed with elegance and technical mastery.
Location: Falls Church, VA
Completion Date: 2023
Owner: Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Architect: O’Brien & Keane
General Contractor: Rugo Stone
Services Performed: Dismantling, Modifying, Restoring, Fabricating, and Installing Marble Assemblies; Statue Carving and Mosaic Inlays
