By: Emerson Burris
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark (UATV) -A major transformation is underway just off campus as construction crews work to replace a longtime Fayetteville landmark with a new, state-of-the-art facility.
The original St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located on North Leverett Avenue, was torn down earlier this month to make way for a larger and more modern church. The new $15 million project will feature an expanded worship area, a larger student center, and updated facilities designed to better serve the growing campus community.
“It was just time,” said Father Jason Sharbaugh, the pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas. “We put together a good team, it was the right group of people and the right time to make everything come together. We did feasibility studies, so we’re rebuilding everything.”
For nearly 65 years, St. Thomas Aquinas served as a spiritual home for thousands of students and Fayetteville residents. The decision to rebuild was not made lightly, but church leaders recognized the need for a more functional and safer space.
“The purpose to have an actual place to come, an actual place to worship, an actual place to coalesce around, center our lives—it has done that and more,” Sharbaugh said. “Since things became more and more dilapidated, things were becoming antiquated to the point that [we were] starting to tap dance around not being as safe as we would like it. And it’s just not functional.”
Though the old building is gone, elements of its history will live on. Church officials say they plan to incorporate key features from the original structure into the new church, including the stained glass windows and the organ. Items of sentimental value to parishioners have also been saved or repurposed.
During construction, church services will be temporarily held on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union. The project is expected to take about two years, with completion set for early 2027.
“We’re going to expand our church for seating capacity and our student center for seating capacity and make even better use of the land that we already have,” Sharbaugh said. “So it’s going to be lasting for … over the next century.”
The congregation, while emotional about saying goodbye to the original church, is looking forward to the new space and the opportunities it will bring.
“People are excited, although obviously emotional, you know, to let go of the things that we’ve all cared for,” Sharbaugh said. “It’s a unique time. Since I was here as an undergrad … it’s emotional, but it’s needed, and people know that.”
As construction progresses, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church leaders hope the new facility will continue to be a welcoming space for students and the greater Fayetteville community for generations to come. The larger student center aims to provide a space where students can gather for fellowship, study sessions, and faith-based events. Church leaders also plan to offer expanded programs that cater to the needs of a growing student population, ensuring that St. Thomas Aquinas remains a vital part of campus life.
Additionally, the new church design incorporates energy-efficient and sustainable materials, aligning with modern environmental standards. Church officials are optimistic that these improvements will make the facility not only a place of worship but also a model for future church construction projects. With more space and updated amenities, the church is set to offer an even greater sense of community and belonging to those who walk through its doors.
