Saint Michael’s Church is leaking and must be replaced.  Spot repairs are being made on an ongoing basis but the time has come to replace the slate tiles and waterproofing materials.  

Because of this a fund raising project is underway and we sincerely ask for your support.

Roof Replacement Fund

Previous total:                                          $402,087.36
Recent donations:                                       10,300.00
Total donations as of 06/25/2025:        $412,387.36

CHURCH TOWER CROSS
Last weekend we all had an opportunity, in the Church, to view and touch the Cross which stood strong on the very top of the tower.  Amazing to see that it was crafted in sections and put together (and the pieces stayed together).  It is hollow which was a surprise considering that it has withstood strong winds at times and varying weather conditions, apparently anchored well.  It will remain in the parish – a place to put it has not yet been determined. (Thank you to those who placed donations for its replacement in the box).

Note: re: chimney; it was spot pointed, metal panels put on it & staninless steel flue cap. 

MAJOR UPDATE
Our forefathers did an amazing job building this beautiful church of ours. No computers, WiFi, AI, or equipment that is available today, yet they were craftsmen who found the way to create a strong and beautiful edifice that has stood the test of time for 120 years. We are honoring their work by preserving this building for generations to come. As we informed you, awhile back we found, after inspection of the chimney and tower, that we would need to raise $50,000 more to complete that restoration work. It turned out to be an actual cost of $464,000 at that point. The chimney is now capped and covered in a strong metal (color of brick) to preserve it. (Additional $1,000) The inside of the tower was concrete – badly crumbling and had to be totally redone to make it a strong structure once again. When the outside layers of the tower were removed it was discovered that underneath there was major major damage. Understandable as that tower has survived all those years without any major repairs. Of course, to fix it properly, correctly and so that it will be structurally sound for years to come means another increase in the cost bringing it to just over $500,000. Here is some of which needs to be done: replacement of bricks and filling of gaps in the wall at front of Church $8,000, fabricating a new cross from stainless steek, replicating the shape and proportions of the original design and secure installing of the cross $3,000, replacement of sheet metal on the tower with lead-coated copper and additional materials, stainless steel mesh on the louvers from the inside of the tower, performance of all necessary repair work, inspection and maintenance of bells (new chair system on large bell – so needed and maintenance on two smaller bells to ensure proper operation. $29,000. Painting of the rain protection tower $3,000. Replacement of glass panes with Plexiglas on the tower and at the rear of the church, cleaning of stained glass windows – cost based on hours worked. Just a few more details including, stainless steel mesh protection over all existing louvered tower windows, liquid plastic waterproofing with patina green finish, cement based stucco finish over newly framed sections, and more and more. Using the best materials to ensure their lasting quality. Hopeful the weather will be good so that we don’t go over the 28 day rental of the scaffolding (overage would incur additional cost).

Updates will be forthcoming as work progresses.

Thank you to our newest donors, everyone who continues to send in their pledge payments and to the many who are giving additional funds over and above their original donation/pledges. We are currently looking to raise the extra cost (an addituinal $50,000 to now $450,000) to cover the replacemement of the chimney and the repaires to the tower.

The shingles of the new roof look very much like the slate that was there. Good choice in the color.

Fr. Sadowski and Fr. Sobczak