Dear Editor:
Almost a year ago, slivers of paint began falling from the blue field of golden stars in the ceiling of historic Our Lady of Grace Church in Hoboken. The roof was leaking forcing the parish to initiate a $500,000 campaign to not only repair, but to replace all of the slate tiles initially installed in 1878.
A maze of scaffolding and netting now encloses the rear walls of the building. The work is needed in order to protect the extensive interior restoration that was completed in the late 1990s. It is also a fulfillment of an obligation to protect this structure which was honored with entry to both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on April 10, 1996 and the National Register of Historic Places on May 31, 1996, U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Services.
The interior work was funded by the parish members as well as with a matching grant from the State of New Jersey and a loan from the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. The leaking roof had long been a problem and was repaired frequently over the years. Unfortunately, patching could no longer contain the leaks.
The general public is invited to visit the church, located at 4th Street and Willow Avenue in the heart of Hoboken. The church features original paintings and reproductions of paintings dating back to 1509 donated by the royalty of Europe. The Gothic style church was designed by Francis G. Himpler, a local architect who also designed Hoboken City Hall. When the building was constructed it was the largest church in New Jersey. A walking tour brochure is available at the entrance of the church.
Members of the parish, which was established in 1851, continue in the footsteps of thousands of their predecessors who funded and maintained the church over 100 years. They would be honored to have the participation of the people of Hoboken in this latest renovation and stabilization of this historic structure. A “Raise the Roof” fundraising campaign is already in progress. Those wishing to contribute to the preservation of this historic building may send donations to Our Lady of Grace Church at 400 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Questions may be addressed to Fr. Ken Herbster, Pastor at 201-659-0369.
Fr. Ken Herbster, Pastor
Our Lady of Grace Church