New Heights

A Webster Groves couple seeks redemption for a historic church.

- Pat Eby

LISA AND DAN MACHECA’S transformation of a Gothic church into The Clifton Heights Inn had heavenly results.

The couple carved out three guest rooms from the former Fry Memorial Methodist Church’s religious education classrooms, each with an elegant bath. They also converted the church’s sanctuary into a different type of event space that still radiates beauty and peace. An intricate stained glass story window provides a dramatic backdrop for weddings, meetings, parties, and private dinners.

Before taking ownership, in 2004, the couple had long admired the building, built in 1905 in sleepy Clifton Heights. “Dan’s sister lives three houses down, so we were aware of the property,” Lisa says. “The congregation had dwindled to just 19 members. We knew it was going to be sold.”