The Superior Express -

In less than two years, Sacred Heart Church in Lawrence will reach its 100th birthday. The parish is currently in the process of doing a restoration campaign. "Restore The Heart" is the theme name given the current effort at maintaining the building. The parish has taken on the responsibility of keeping the building as a respectable place of worship over these almost one hundred years.

The large stained glass window on the south end of Sacred Heart church in Lawrence, is missing a piece as can clearly be seen in this photo. Hot and cold weather, and age caused this part of the window to bulge out and without repair, the whole window could be damaged. Repair estimates ranged from $50,000 down to less than $5,000. The glass is being reset and will be replaced when the work is completed.

Weather and age takes a toll on all buildings. This church was barely 25 years old when moisture on the north wall destroyed the painting on the wall behind the main altar. The interior has been repainted twice over the years. The idea of the church building restoration has been brewing for many years. More than 25 years ago, the priceless stained glass windows were repaired and received a protective covering. About 20 years ago the roof was completely removed, repaired and replaced.

Since that time, smaller improvements have been made with the south entrance painted and improved, the 'baptismal room' redone and the confessional area revamped.

This year marks the "major" renovation which includes fixing all the plaster damage in the full church and the painting, including an effort to restore the building's interior to its original beauty.