LONGWOOD  |  Those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Nativity Parish were also fortunate to witness Bishop John Noonan blessing the parish’s extensive renovations.

Parishioner Ken Yontz oversaw the project and shared details about how the renovations came to be.

“Our original church was built in 1962, and people referred to us as ‘the little church in the woods’ because we were surrounded by a lot of undeveloped land,” he recalled. “That building was converted into the Parish Hall in 1984 when the current church was constructed. The church was designed with expansion plans, and those plans became reality in 1996. During the past 30 years we have done some painting, and the original roof was replaced, but not much was done to the interior of the church.”

In 2022, Father David Scotchie, pastor, started a conversation about the need for some renovations. Yontz said the “restrooms were not ADA compliant, and the narthex was small and often crowded before and after Mass. In addition, there were many areas around the nave that were showing wear. The woodwork and the carpet were faded from direct sunlight and the finish on the pews was stripped off from the constant sanitizing during the pandemic. We had tiles that were chipped, an organ that only partially worked and a sound system that was well past its prime. “

A design team identified and prioritized improvements and ideas were shared with various parishioners for input. The team worked with Design and Construction Services from the Diocese of Orlando, and engaged Plunkett Raysich Architects in Sarasota, FL to develop the high-level renderings. Then a capital campaign helped raise the money. Responding with what Yontz described as “overwhelming generosity”, the parishioners funded the project which began in July 2025.

Among the changes were a new organ, new sound system and stained-glass windows on both sides of the church to complete the Nativity story. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus remain on the center window, but now shepherds are depicted to the left of the altar and the wise men on the windows to the right.

Certified General Contractors of Melbourne completed the project within budget and a few weeks ahead of schedule. The first Masses back in the church were celebrated the weekend of May 9 and 10, 2026. When Bishop Noonan celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, May 30, he also blessed the new renovations.

The expanded narthex with its open gallery extends from the main doors to the chapel.

“It includes new glass windows with a view into the nave and is a bright open and welcoming space,” Yontz said, adding the two changes they receive the most comments on are “the Crucifix being suspended directly above the altar with natural lighting and the addition of stained-glass windows along the side walls.” Although the church’s interior was completely renovated, he assured, “we were very careful to maintain the comfortable ‘little church in the woods’ feeling that Nativity is known for.”

Staff Report, June 4, 2026