A rare aerial view of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence as it now stands. The building is highly prized not just by past members and the general public for its historical architecture and engineering. The stained glass windows are among the best in the Lincoln diocese. The centennial of the church building is December 2024 and the parish members wish to restore the building which suffered from weather damage and is certainly not as young as it once was.
For many years, small damage resulted from wind, rain and weather. Over time the amount of damage grew until it was obvious repair was needed. The roof was replaced and windows repaired and covered to protect the interior. Extensive plaster damage was repaired a year ago, but substantial work remains. Above shows a little of one window that needs the plaster to be repaired, similar to other plaster damage needing to be repaired.
After 40 some years when do dreams . . . hopes . . . wishes become more than just that: dreams, hopes and wishes?
The answer is: when they become necessities.
The Sacred Heart parish church building in Lawrence is approaching its 100th birthday in 2024. Many parish members are seeing an increase in activities aimed at the restoration, maintenance and preservation of the building which is of high historical interest besides its daily functional use. The stained glass windows alone are priceless pieces of historic art. The effort is being led by Pastor, Father Jamie Hottovy.
A bit of the parish and church history is: • 1893: parish organized; • 1924: present church building replaced original structure; • 1993: First major action taken in restoration by cleaning, repairing and the installation of protective covering of stained glass windows; * 2009: $288,000 spent to remove, repair and replace roof, completing the necessary first steps to protect the interior of the building against weather damage and allow the restoration of the interior to begin; • 2014: Interior work began with renovation of main south entrance and baptismal room; • 2019: renovation of confessional on west side of church; • 2021 major plaster damaged above choir loft repaired.
Besides some architecture education in college, Father Hottovy has continued a strong interest in historical architecture and accompany engineering and technology. He contends the Sacred Heart church building is among the top tier of church buildings in the Lincoln diocese. He noted: "It is a masterpiece of German architecture and technology. A priceless building to preserve and use."
Father Hottovy has been involved in the restoration, repair and building of approximately 40 other churches or chapels in the Lincoln diocese or the Midwest area since his ordination.
Several parish committees have been formed and are at work presently. One is concerned with the restoration itself. The other with the financing of the restoration.
A "True Restoration" is the aim. That means restoring the building to its original state as much as feasible. Among the work considered is: • returning some of the floors to their original hard wood; • refurbish pews; • painting interior, matching colors of paint to enhance original beauty (last painting almost 40 years old); • finish repairing plaster (possible starting early in 2023; • repair south window over choir loft as a small part of the window is in serious condition and requires immediate care; • painting repair of statues. • repair and update of electrical and sound systems; • other needed work as may be feasible. The changes to date (entrance, baptismal room and confessional will most likely not change).
The fund raising committee is planning to commence before too long. As a first step, the Altar Society has pledged the proceeds from this year's Fall Festival to go to the restoration fund. Towards that end, the traditional 'Smorgasbord' supper is being changed somewhat.
The date for the Sacred Heart parish 'Fall Festival' is Saturday, Nov. 12 and will run from 5 to 10 p.m. beginning with Mass at 5 p.m. The meal will be a smoked pork chop or roast beef dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m.
From 6 to 9 p.m. the quilt, adult, kid and wall of spirits raffle will be available with winners announced at 9 p.m.
From 7 to 10 p.m. wine and beer tasting and a Kid's corner will be available.
There is also an "Online Auction" going on that you may access at any time. A person must be registered to bid and you may do that on your computer with the following address: HTTPS://MONTGOMERY AUCTIONONLINE.HIBID.COM/
To this time, the parish has been accumulating money in a separate fund with the goal being the church building restoration and it has paid for the work done so far. The money has come from donations to date by the Altar Society, the Quilting Circle; funeral (and other) memorials and just plain donations to the fund by individuals. While such money is available and may enable work to start, much more will be needed to complete the work.
Do too many factors: COVID induced shortages and inflation; extent of damage needing repair; availability of workers; exact cost estimates are not available.
The goal of all the work is to have the church building restored by the 100th anniversary of the building dedication which will be in December 2024. The parish acknowledges the responsibility to protect and preserve the building. Father Hottovy has noted he will gladly accept volunteers, ideas and donations to help accomplish the goals set out by the parish.
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