Lynn church reincarnated

LYNN – Rose Patrizzi says she is not a churchgoer. But that’s OK. Patrizzi has stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings and a big arched window that pours sunlight into her Broad Street home.Patrizzi and James Evans have lived for more than 10 years in the former Church of the Incarnation. Built in 1885 by wealthy Episcopalians who spent summers in Lynn and expanded in 1895, the quarry stone and brick building with its slate roof is a home slightly different than most other Lynn residences.”It’s the peacefulness and all the space that are my favorite things about it,” Patrizzi said.A big, open room where worshippers once prayed dominates Patrizzi’s home. Evans has to wrestle a 40-foot ladder to change the smoke alarm and the painting job the couple is planning will mean working around giant wood “scissor truss” beams that crisscross the cathedral ceiling.Patrizzi, a Swampscott native, and Evans, who is originally from Topsfield, bought their home in 2004 after attending an open house day at the church. Developer David Zeltzer bought and refurbished the building in 2001.”We fell in love with it. You walk in, shut the doors, and it’s total peace,” Patrizzi said.On wintry nights, snow falls outside the big window overlooking the former altar where the kitchen is arranged around a sink, stove and dishwasher grouped in one central counter area. A small office, bathroom and bedroom flank the kitchen, and hardwood floors run throughout the residence.Forty relatives fill Patrizzi’s and Evans’ home on holidays with tables arranged in the main room.”Everyone always says, ?We’re coming to your house,'” Patrizzi said.Prior to Zeltzer’s purchase, the former church saw many other tenants, including a karate studio and a hangar for a small airplane a former resident built inside the building.The building requires maintenance most homeowners typically don’t undertake: The stone walls that block out all but the loudest noises on busy Broad Street require pointing and tiles on the slate roof occasionally need to be replaced.”I’ve been up there on a ladder,” Evans said. “It can get pretty hairy.”People occasionally knock on Evans’ and Patrizzi’s door inquiring if their home is an active church.Patrizzi said they will eventually sell and move – but not for awhile.”We love it. There are good spirits here,” she said.