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.

The interior surfaces are gradually returning back to their original aesthetic as Helen Distad patiently restores the trompe l'oeil imagery of the Sanctuary.  This challenging restoration requires an artist with vast knowledge, technique, and an abundance of natural ability.  We are most fortunate to have her inspired dedication and committed volunteer talent at St. Rose.

On June 7, 2010, we celebrated the return of the original pump organ to St. Rose.  For nearly fifty years, Ed Bartelt has been the caretaker of this 1880's organ which still functions as well as it did when the church closed in 1961.  Thanks to the cleaver planning and shear strength of these volunteers, the organ was carefully hoisted over the balcony and placed back into the choir loft.  The unique sound of this organ fills the interior with the elegant voice and musical aura that only the original pump organ provides and decades of past generations enjoyed. 

The first phase of steeple restoration is focused on the bell tower portion, or 'lantern', with reconstruction of the lattice and louvers that once surrounded the bell portion of the spire.  Marv Bronner began this project last year by providing preliminary structural repairs necessary before this phase of restoration could begin.  Marv spent many hours in the bell tower high above St. Rose in order to provide the planning and careful measurements necessary to proceed.  Myron Schettl of Shady Haven Tree Farms became instrumental in this restoration by providing all of the millwork required from trees that he planted over 40 years ago.  Myron not only harvested, dried and milled the lumber to historically correct larger dimensions, he also built the eight sections of lattice for the bell tower restoration.  Using more of Myron's donated lumber, Jerry Vettel reconstructed the four louver portions for the center of each side of the bell tower.  Currently, John Palof is finishing the 'ground work' by priming and painting these twelve sections before they are assembled high above the entry.  We hope to have this project near completion by mid-August.

We look forward to sharing these and all our continued restoration progress during our Sixth Annual Ice Cream Social to be held on Saturday, August 21, 2010, from 2 - 5 pm.  Bring a lawn chair to relax while listening to Dixieland Jazz by 'Out of the Blue' and an appetite for ice cream/frozen custard which is donated once again by both Cold Stone Creamery and Culver's of Rochester, Minnesota.