Friends of St Rose, Inc.

Rosebush

Another Summer of Progress

Rose Summer is in full bloom and so are the many rose bushes recently planted around the perimeter of St. Rose. Many people have graciously donated a wide variety of rose bushes enhancing the grounds that surround this limestone structure. The pink roses shown here are the only original roses remaining that continue to grace the Sacristy stairway on the south side of St. Rose. A complementary variety of colorful and fragrant roses planted by volunteers has only added to the beauty of the grounds.

In Stillness Waits

St. Rose has stood as a graceful symbol of our past amid a changing world for 132 years. After months of quiet anticipation, prisms of colored light illuminated every surface once again as all eight stained glass windows were returned to St. Rose completely restored.

Several restoration goals were achieved during 2009 thanks to the generosity of dozens of supporters and volunteer help. We shared these milestones and our future aspirations with a full church during our 7th Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony held on December 20, 2009. A beautiful winter wedding was held at St. Rose the day before the Candle Lighting and a picturesque wedding was celebrated on the first day of spring. An upcoming wedding is scheduled for this fall.

The response to the stained glass window restoration was overwhelming as multiple families and individuals became sponsors. The names of each of these sponsors and their specified memorials will be inscribed on a small plaque at each window. The marine plywood covers that had protected the stained glass windows for over forty years were replaced with new white storm window covers that are much easier for one person to remove and later re-install for events.

Eyes on the Windows!

With summer in full swing, it’s time to take measure of our recent progress. The past year has been simply amazing – the ceiling and storm window restoration, new wiring, light fixtures, insulation, and the restoration of the St. Rose entrance stained glass window were all a part of a long list of accomplishments in 2008. None of this would have happened without the continued dedication of our many volunteers and the generous financial support of so many contributors. Thank you to all those who helped bring St. Rose another step closer to full restoration this past year.