St. Raphael demolition begins to clear way for new, larger church in Bay Village (photo gallery, video)

BAY VILLAGE, Ohio -- Crews began work Monday on the process of demolishing St. Raphael Catholic Church in Bay Village.

The building is coming down to make way for a new churchthat will seat 1,100 people -- almost doubling worship space in the growing parish.

The project also will include achapel and community room on the Dover Center Road property. The construction is expected to be completed by August of next year.

The old church, built in 1953, has been hosting at least six Masses a weekend to serve the needs of the about 3,500 families who are members of the parish. During construction, parishioners will worship in the Parish Activity Center.

The architect for the church construction is Zarzycki-Malik, which has worked with St. Raphael on earlier projects. The general contractor is the John G. Johnson Construction Co.

The new church will be fan-shaped and front on Dover Center Road. Stained glass windows from the old church will be refurbished and installed in the new building.

The crucifix, tabernacle and marble in the existing church also will be used in the new worship space. The pews were removed and sold to another church.

Bishop Richard Lennon of the Catholic Diocese of Clevelandis scheduled to consecrate the church on Aug. 22, 2015.

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St. Raphael demolition begins to clear way for new, larger church in Bay Village (photo gallery, video)