In celebration of it’s centennial, St. Christopher’s Parish is embarking on a series of beautification and restoration projects to its church and facilities. Projects have been proposed by St. Christopher’s Pastor, Fr. Seamus Griesbach, in consultation with the finance and centennial committees, and with the approval of the Bishop’s Office. Projects are being funded through the engraved paver project for the main walkway to the church and through the generous gifts of parishioners and other members of the Peak’s Island community. Projects will be carried out as it is possible to afford them. Please consider donating to these important Centennial building projects:

Pew removal, storage, re- installation, and additional heating costs. In order to carry out work in the church, pews and all furnishings are being removed and then reinstalled this spring. The church must also be heated throughout the winter months while work is carried out. Cost: $6,000-$8,000. 

Entrance walkway with engraved pavers. Replacement of degraded concrete walkway leading to the main entrance and ramp of St. Christopher Church with concrete pavers. Installation cost: approx. $25,000. Revenue generated: $25,000+.

Stained glass window repair and restoration. The main stained glass window is significantly deteriorated and in need of restoration. The other stained glass windows throughout the building are simple diamond pattern. Many panes are broken or cracked and the lead came is in poor condition and in need of restoration. Project cost: Main stained glass window behind the altar: $15,000. Rear stained glass window: $10,000. 60 smaller stained glass windows: $1,500-$2,500 each. Total restoration cost: $145,000. Note: at this time, thanks to a generous contribution, the restoration of the main stained glass window behind the altar has been financed. Other windows will be restored as possible, depending on funding available. 

Electrical rewiring and installation of new lighting in church building. Much of the wiring is outdated and unsafe and lighting fixtures are dated and unattractive and do not provide adequate lighting for the church. New lighting fixtures are much more energy efficient and in keeping with the architecture of the building. Project cost: Lighting fixtures: approx. $4,500. Labor and other materials: $10,000-15,000 Total cost: $15,000-$25,000. A generous donation has covered the major portion of lighting fixtures. 

Asbestos abatement of entry ways, sacristy, and work room floors. The floor tiles used in these areas contain asbestos and should be removed in order to promote a safe and updated facility. Project cost: $4,000.00 for labor and required disposal. 

Floor repair and hardwood installation in sanctuary, flooring in the sacristy, work room, and entry areas. The stained and aged carpet in the sanctuary and work room is being pulled out, in addition to the asbestos tiles and linoleum in the sacristy and entry areas. Wood flooring underneath the sanctuary is in poor condition and most likely not able to be refinished. Historically appropriate wood flooring to match the rest of the church will be installed in the sanctuary and damaged sections of the church flooring in the church will be repaired. After the subfloor is appropriately prepared, durable vinyl flooring will be installed in the sacristy, work room, and entry areas. Project cost: $10,000 – $15,000. 

Pieta area improvement. Façade will be redone to harmonize with the church and other statue alcoves with appropriate finishes and lighting. Project cost: $3-5,000. 

Interior painting. Following rewiring and other interior work, areas of the church will be in need of repainting. Additionally, trim in the sanctuary that had been painted light green should be returned to its original dark-brown color. Project cost: $5,000-$8,000. 

Floor sanding and finishing in the main church. The flooring of the main church will be sanded, stained, and sealed with three coats of polyurethane to protect it in the years ahead. Carpets and floor mats will be purchased as needed. Project cost: $13,000. 

Repair of church exterior skirting, ramp and porches. The skirting along the building needs to be removed and replaced with better materials. The sagging ramp needs to be shored up, and the ramp and decks need to be repainted. Project cost: $15,000-$25,000. 

Project Financing Summary

Consider donating to any or all these projects

Pew removal, storage, re- installation, and additional heating costs:  $6,000-$8,000
 

Stained glass window repair and restoration
Main stained-glass window behind the altar:                            Donated $15,000
Rear stained-glass window:                                                                          $10,000
60 smaller stained-glass windows:                                                              $1,500-$2,500 each.
Total Restoration cost:                                                                                  $145,000

Electrical rewiring and installation of new lighting in church building
Lighting fixtures: approx.                                                               Donated $4,500
Labor and other materials:                                                                            $25,000
Total Restoration cost:                                                                                 $29,500
 

Asbestos abatement of entry ways, sacristy, and work room floors
Labor and required materials required disposal:                                       $4,000
 

Floor repair and hardwood installation in sanctuary, flooring in the sacristy, work room, and entry areas
Subfloor prepared, durable vinyl flooring installed in sacristy, work room, and entry areas.
Restoration cost:                                                                                            $10,000-$15,000
 

Pieta area improvement
Finishings and lighting
Renovation cost:                                                                                             $3,000-$5,000
 

Interior painting
Trim in the sanctuary and interior work areas
Renovation cost:                                                                                              $5,000-$8,000
 

Floor sanding and finishing in the main church floors
Carpets and floor mats will be purchased as needed
Renovation cost:                                                                                              $13,000
 

Repair of church exterior skirting, ramp, porches, and paint
Renovation cost:                                                                                              $15,000-$25,000
 

Total Centennial Project Cost:                                                                     $112,000 - 258,000 (higher number reflects complete stained glass window restoration)