Mission Needs: Church Roof and Tuck - Pointing Repair Project
Our St. Francis Solanus Church roof is in great need of repair. The last extensive church roof was completed in 1989. Due greatly to weathering conditions the shingled roof is damaged causing extensive leakage, which has also ruined the interior of the church.
The exterior of the church has been beautifully covered with native pipestone from the Pipestone Quarry on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, approximately seven miles from our Mission.
In 1923-1924, the Ojibwe parishioners desired to have pipestone on the exterior of the church. They worked tirelessly to chip and dig it out of the quarry. They used their horses and carts to haul the pipestone from Pipestone Creek on Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation (7 miles) to St. Francis Solanus Mission.
The tuck - pointing repair on the pipestone church must also be done. Huge sections of the pipestone mortar are serverly cracked causing the stone to fall out of place.
Being very traditional, the Ojibwe and all parishioners intend to preserve the beautiful pipestone edifice.
Immediate fundraising has begun. The approximate financial goal to reach, according to a few bids already submitted, will amount to $100,000 - $120,000.
Please help in any way you can. Your ideas of more fundraising events, your knowledge of obtaining grants, your personal donations and reaching out to more benefactors will be greatly appreciated.
