Holy Family Catholic Church has received a $29,000 boost to help save the church’s nearly 80-year-old stained glass windows.
The County Commission approved the grant for the Holy Family Church Preservation Committee during its Wednesday meeting.
Over time, these windows have deteriorated, exposing the church to the natural elements.
Known as the oldest still-active Catholic church in Kansas, Holy Family was built in 1864. The church had additions over the years, and stained glass windows were installed in the 1940s.
The preservation committee plans to use the money granted by the Heritage Conservation Council to initially repair about 10 of the 20 windows. Further renovations will have to wait until the committee receives more funding. The group originally requested over $70,000 for the project.
Janet Campbell, a member of the preservation committee, has a passion for preserving historical sites, and wrote several grants. Campbell said negotiations are ongoing with a contractor who would restore these windows.
The plexiglass currently affixed outside of the stained glass windows is actually damaging them, as it traps heat and diminishes overall color, she said.
“We want to get those removed,” Campbell said. “There’s several of them that have some pretty severe damage, and probably about 10 or so need repair. It’s an extensive process, not many companies do that.”
Preservation committee Chair Craig Connell originally organized the group over four years ago, wanting to draw attention to restoration efforts. The committee has focused on the outside of the church so far, adding on a new roof and painting the exterior. Restoring the windows will be one of the final steps before the group turns their focus inside.
“When I was a kid, I didn’t care about history,” Connell said. “Now that I’m older and retired, it’s important. This is the oldest Catholic church in Kansas that’s still being used.”
Holy Family Catholic Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Ben Terwilliger, executive director of the Eudora Community Museum, attributes this addition to the work of the museum, the historical society and individuals like Campbell and Connell.
“I wish we had more Janet Campbells, then we’d have a lot more buildings that are being restored,” Terwilliger said. “I think it’s remarkable, and I’m so happy they’re doing it.”
Terwilliger said the church has an important place in Eudora’s history.
“They would always have baptisms, funerals and weddings there,” Terwilliger said. “It was also used by the entire community because they had the town bell, which would let people know when to get up, when it’s time for lunch, when it’s time for dinner. I think it was definitely the heart and soul of Eudora’s German immigrant Catholic community.”
In an effort to preserve this centerpiece of local history, Campbell and the rest of the committee will continue to search for grants.
“We’re still looking for the other $50,000 to finish the project, so that’s our plan,” Campbell said.
Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]
