St. Mary's Preservation Society

 

We invite you to become a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church Preservation Society.  Whether you are a former member of the parish, a Holy Family Academy alumni, have family ties to the church or just recognize that this architectural treasure needs to be preserved, we welcome your support for the restoration of St. Mary's Church.

 

In May of 1996, St. Mary's Catholic Church was added to the prestigious National Register of Historic Places.  The members of the National Register have recognized what we've known all along; this church is more than just big, old and beautiful: it has historic value.  For many, the values is personal and sentimental.  How else can you explain the commitment this small parish has made to save this church.

 

 The restoration of St. Mary’s Church started in 1991 with roof repairs costing over $465,000.  That debt was paid thanks to pledge drive contributions from the parishioners, fundraisers, and of course, donations and membership dues.  This is quite an accomplishment for a parish with less than 100 participating households.  In June of 2001, the restoration of the stained glass windows began and was completed in the summer of 2004 and St. Mary’s windows once again look pristine at the cost of $320,000.  The heating system was replaced at a cost of $175,000 in the fall of 2006. In 2008 the interior was re-plastered, repainted, and beautifully decorated for $420,000.  The historic pipe organ was restored in 2011 at a cost of $26,000.  In August 2013 we tuck pointed the twin towers at a cost of about $56,000.   In 2014 we replaced our front steps and railings for about $17,000.  In 2016 we purchased a used Allen organ at the cost of $18,000.  In 2016 and 2017 we have replaced 3 different doors at the cost of about $6,000.   In 2017 we replaced our aging kneelers at a cost of $18,000.  We were able to replace our carpet in 2018 at a cost of $14,000.  There are still more projects to be done including repainting the entryways, new front doors, altar flooring, and church upkeep.  We have spent over $1.5 million dollars over the past almost 30 years restoring our church.  This has all been paid for by our parishioners, many fundraisers, and you, our Preservation Society friends.  With continued support we will be able to maintain our building and continue to keep it looking beautiful and pristine.

 

We are sure you will agree that St. Mary's Catholic Church is truly a special and holy place and deserves your support in preserving it.  Please take a moment now and say "YES" to becoming a member of St. Mary's Church Preservation Society.