Acella Construction Corp., one of New England's leading construction services firms, specializing in construction management, general contracting, design-build, and pre-construction services, has completed an addition at the Espirito Santo Church. The church is owned by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Fall River.
Located at 311 Alden St., the 500 s/f addition to the Espirito Santo Church revolves around a 45-foot bell tower and new circular chapel addition, with a patio, and pergola. The new bell tower is composed of galvanized steel and was designed to be one of the hallmarks of the church exterior. It has a 13-foot deep reinforced foundation and was designed with a walkthrough at the base to enter the new chapel. Along with new lights and a 12-foot copper cross on top, the tower is also home to the original Espirito Santo Church bell dated 1910. The bell was removed from the existing school, sent to Ohio to be refurbished, and now hangs as a proud centerpiece on the new tower.
"This project required our team to remain flexible with our schedule in order to allow for a range of church functions," said Robert Johnson, president of Acella Construction. "We are very pleased with the results of this project and are happy to have contributed to improving and maintaining the historic beauty of this church."
Other features of the Church exterior include expanded walkways and a crescent shaped stone wall with bluestone cap, combined with a six column pergola. The matching brick on the addition blends in perfectly with the existing church.
In addition, many pieces including large round stain glass windows and gilded woodwork were salvaged from the neighboring Our Lady of Health Church. This was done as a gesture to welcome former parishioners from Our Lady of Health to their new parish. The bringing of the old and new together gives the interior of Espirito Santo Church a remarkably distinguished decor.

Acella worked in conjunction with architectural design team Annino Inc., a North Attleboro, Mass. based architectural firm.