Our excitement continues as we look ahead to this year’s projects. It’s all about window restoration and decorative painting in 2009! The remaining eight stained glass windows at St. Rose have, for the most part, held together for over one hundred years. Six of these nine foot tall stained glass windows only require re-leading, a relatively inexpensive process. The two remaining windows require much more attention and financial support in order to replace the missing window and to repair a broken window.

More than a century ago, these stained glass windows were sponsored by individual families. The names of these pioneer families remain prominently inscribed on each window. Recently, a family with original ties to St. Rose offered to sponsor the restoration of the missing window. We are happy to announce that this window has since been completely restored by Cathedral Crafts in Winona, Minnesota. It is most rewarding to be a part of this physical connection between past generations and witness the present active preservation of our common history. We will continue to acknowledge sponsors and their memorial wishes through a plaque located at each stained glass window once this restoration project is completed.

We are also pleased to announce that six of the seven remaining windows have been completely sponsored since mailing our latest newsletter in May! Currently, only one window requires additional financial support to complete this major restoration endeavor. We hope to have all eight stained glass windows restored and installed before winter returns to Minnesota. You can visit our 'Projects' page to view each of these windows and to learn more about this project.

Now that the ceiling is fully repaired and painted, it's time for our creative side to come out. Originally, this vaulted ceiling and the interior walls of St. Rose were covered with detailed stenciling and decorative art. Kay and Jill worked hard last year documenting colors and designs rediscovered that had originally graced the interior of St. Rose. We will begin restorative painting later this summer and once again have the good fortune of skillful volunteers to aide us. This is a significant undertaking and will involve several years to complete. We can’t overstate our enthusiasm. An interior filled with original decorative art will bring St. Rose back to her full beauty.

Other projects also included on our wish list are steeple repair and tuck pointing. Marvin Bronner has once again offered his time and expertise to make sure the steeple is structurally sound. Door restoration and grounds clean-up are also included on this wish list. As time and money permit, we will move ahead on these necessary preservation projects.

Last December 21st, we met to celebrate our sixth annual candle lighting ceremony. The day was bitterly cold and the snow deep, but over 70 hardy souls, including the five members of Brass Etc., managed to attend this solemn event. Our new furnace kept everyone warm and most everyone found their way over to Jill’s house for food and refreshments. Thank you for a terrific event!

We have two remaining events for this summer: The Fifth Annual Ice Cream Social on August 15th from 2 - 5pm and the Benefit Concert provided by Brass Etc. and Whirlwinds on August 30th from 3 - 5pm. Please mark your calendars. The doors will be opened wide on both occassions giving everyone a chance to enjoy this historic jewel of Goodhue County. We hope to see you there!

In closing, we anticipate sunlight streaming through the newly restored stained glass windows by fall. We can't wait to share this visual delight with you that is only known today through the memories of past parishioners and the original settlers of Cherry Grove Township. Thank you for your part in making such a breathtaking accomplishment possible!