Preservation: Last Ditch
Categories: Preservation: You Can Help
By: Mark Boardman 03/01/2008
Worldly Salvation
St. Mary’s in the Mountains Catholic Church has been through enough trials to test the patience of Job.
The Virginia City, Nevada, landmark was built in 1869, and it served as a public meeting place during the heyday of the mining industry. In 1875, a fire destroyed most of Virginia City—but the walls of St. Mary’s still stood and the church was restored to its former glory that year. Its ornate interior, mostly created by European master craftsmen, was one of the most elaborate in North America.
A group of monks took over the building in 1957, but they decided the place was too “worldly.” Over the next two years, they stripped most of the insides.
Today’s St. Mary’s congregation may have only 20 members, but they took action to save their beloved church from falling apart. They sought contributions from across the nation—and not just from Catholics. Money came in from Protestants, Jews, even atheists. Late last year, the project received a $500,000 grant from the National Parks Service; the money is slated for new plumbing and wall stabilization.
Overall, St. Mary’s has raised about $1.7 million of the estimated $1.9 million needed to complete the restoration. If all goes as planned—and prayers are answered—work will be finished in 2010.
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