Several phases of the project have been completed. To recap: The side altars of Mary and Joseph have been completely restored. The wainscoting along the side aisles, with the electrical boxes now within the baseboard, has been reworked and painted.The Sanctuary painted curtains have been touched up, treated for mildew damage, and sealed. All statues have been repaired and repainted. The original Altar has been totally restored, repainted, and regilded with 24 caret gold. The Altar of Sacrifice has been repainted and giled. The original box for the Holy Oils, discovered in the rafters of the rectory garage, is now in place near St. Joseph’s side altar. The oil case, which Bill Malek made and which contains the Sacred Oils we use, is now close to the Baptismal Font, near St. Joesph’s side altar. An 18th century credenza, replacing the small wood table, is now in the foyer displaying information and items of interest and providing needed storage. The lower bays [arches] and pillars have been repainted with the powder blue bands [not the original color] repainted a soft beige more in harmony with the original tan coloring of the church. The emblems within the bands remain untouched, though the red flames surrounding each emblem will be repainted. And, of course, the Sanctuary area above the painted curtains has been repainted, faithfully reproducing the original stencilings and replacing the stars of silver and gold. 365 stars of a canvas like material and painted with real silver and 24 caret gold take their place once again in the vaulted ceiling. The painted angels, though not original, remain in their places, surrounded by a celestial firmament. The sun raining its rays on them has been gilded with 24 caret gold.
That’s a lot accomplished in approximately three years.
After the completion of the Sanctuary area, the decision was made to halt work until after Easter. Some stenciling work may be done during this hiatus, which does not require the setting up and taking down of scaffolding. That stenciling work includes: the border running above the wainscoting and the stenciling surrounding each window.
Plans are underway to redo the area in the choir loft underneath the bell tower. The beaded board in some places needs to be replaced, other areas sealed off to prevent the loss of air-conditioning and heating, and the entire area painted. The wall between this area and the choir area itself will be removed. This will greatly increase the area for the choir and prepare the way for the new pipe organ. A section of the flooring will be removed to completely reveal the foyer window and the window above. When this is accomplished, the foyer will be repainted, the original stenciling repaired and some repainted.
After Easter, the work begins again in earnest, with the scaffolding erected for the painting and restenciling of the upper bays [arches], the restenciling of the lower bays [arches], and the restenciling of the pillars. That will bring the project of restoration to near completion.
Of course, none of this could be accomplished without the support of the entire community and the generous financial support of individuals and families. If anyone wishes to become a part of this dramatic undertaking, please contact either me, Fr. Ed., or Bill Malek [936-894-2465]. There are still many areas available for memorials or dedications.
How fortunate we are to be stewards of such remarkable places of worship as our churches of St. Mary and St. Joseph. Future generations, both Catholic and Non-Catholic, will be grateful for our foresight and value and take care of these treasures long after we are gone.
