Sioux Falls, S.D., Nov 26, 2009 / 16:59 pm
The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, S.D is undergoing a three-year makeover to restore the it to the original vision of the architect, to create an endowment for its future maintenance and to bring the 90-year old electrical system up to code.
The restoration aspires to bring the Cathedral closer to the artistic vision of the original architect. Though the stained glass and much of the elaborate work on the ceiling is original and beautiful, the plaster around the windows is deteriorating, there are eight layers of paint inside the church which are peeling off, and the floor needs some work.
The current restoration of St. Joseph's Cathedral will solve the problem of the antiquated electrical system, as well as the inadequate sound system.
“We have a gem here that needs some attention,” remarks Bishop Swain on the website for the Cathedral's restoration. “Those who came before us built this with great vision, with tenacity, with patience, and with sacrifice at a time when this was a relatively small community, not the great city it is now. We have the responsibility to honor them and what they did, I think, by caring for what they gave us and passing it on to those yet to come.”