WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) - The Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Waterloo has completed a $350,000 renovation that restores some of its historic aspects.
The church has been undergoing renovations since before Christmas, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported (https://bit.ly/1eQ7n3f ). Both contractors and volunteers have been behind the work.
There’s now an enlarged gathering and welcoming space at the entrance, as well as new pews that look like the original ones. Other updates include more accessibility for disabled people and the uncovering and restoration of mosaic-tile aisles between the pews up to the altar.
Parishioners have been worshipping in Scallon Hall, a downstairs space, during the renovations, which have been underway for about seven weeks. The space will be completed in time for this weekend’s services. An afternoon wedding is planned Saturday.
“It looks very good,” said Rev. David Ambrosy, the church’s pastor. “The new pews are beautiful. The original tile from when the church was built in 1901 is beautiful. It was carpeted over, probably in the 1960s. That’s in very good shape. It’s been restored. There’s some cracks, but it kind of adds to the character.”
The parish itself was founded in 1863. Ambrosy said a capital campaign will be conducted within the parish to pay for the renovations, which officials felts needed to be completed as soon as possible.
“I think the parishioners will be very happy when they see the outcome, and that the fundraising campaign will be very successful,” said Craig White, Queen of Peace parish council chairman.
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Information from: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, https://www.wcfcourier.com
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