ALTON - Residents in Alton have been watching the roof and upcoming tower restoration work at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 519 E. Fourth St. in Alton, as crews address aging materials at the historic church, Father Nathan said this week.
Father Nathan said the project includes roof work, tower work, and restoration work. He said the roof needs replacement after “30-some years” and that the new roof “will be much more durable and match the rest of the church.”
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“It is very specialized work,” Father Nathan said. “A lot of special equipment is needed to reach that height and steeply sloped work.”
He said the project has been in planning for a long time.
“It has been in the works for a long time, since I have been here, in the planning stages,” Father Nathan said.
According to Father Nathan, the roof work is scheduled for three weeks, while work on the tower and trim could take another couple of weeks. He said he is not sure whether the church clock can be repaired.
“The clock itself is also being looked at during this repair time,” Father Nathan said. “The clock still chimes, but the hands aren’t working properly.”
Father Nathan said St. Mary’s is a historical landmark and was voted one of the most beautiful churches in Illinois. He also said congregational support for the church remains strong in the community.
“People here are very generous,” Father Nathan said. “Many people feel strongly about St. Mary’s.”
