Major Renovations
The first major
renovation of the St. Andrew Church structure took place
in 1901 after lightning struck the steeple,
destroying the parish church in a fire. For two years,
renovations on the church were made. This renovation gave
the church its basic dimensions: 209 feet long with a
ceiling more than 40 feet high. The main steeple is 180
feet from the pavement, topped by a 12 foot high cross,
bringing the steeple height to 192 feet. The length of
the church was extended to the west and north and south
transepts were added. The vaulted ceiling, supported by
columns, was erected to cover the charred beams. Additional
pews were added to accommodate 1,300 more people. The
consecration of the rebuilt church took place on July
4, 1903. |
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A second restoration occurred from
1961-64 under
the direction of Most Reverend Allen J. Babcock. In addition to
new wiring and flooring, St. Ambrose Chapel, with its own organ,
was erected. In the sanctuary a new altar of black marble, facing
the people, was procured; a new pulpit was installed and the altar
rail was removed. The sanctuary was expanded better accommodating
episcopal ceremonies.
The third major restoration occurred in 1980-81
during Most Reverend Joseph Breitenbeck’s tenure and focused
primarily in the sanctuary area. The renovation provided the
cathedral with a versatile and expansive space for diocesan
as well as parish functions. The baptistery was converted into
a vesting room, a commons or gathering space was created, along
with an ambry for the sacred oils, and a new baptismal pool
in the sanctuary area. A reconciliation room was added to St.
Ambrose Chapel.
Due to the aging of the structure a major restoration project
took place from 1999-2000 under the leadership
of Most Reverend Robert J. Rose. During this time the following
renovations occurred: extensive repair and replacement of exterior
brick, stones and mortar; re-roofing; complete upgrade, replacement
and installation of a fire suppression system; upgrade of electrical
system and wiring; installation of a new heating and air conditioning
system; restoration of the steeple cross; bas-relief scriptural
Stations of the Cross were commissioned; new statues were placed
in the renovated reredos; a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe
was commissioned; the ceiling was painted in deep shades of
blue featuring gold leaf stars set in the same constellation
that would have been present the day the cathedral was consecrated
on April 22, 1883; a new baptismal font was placed at the entrance
of the cathedral; gothic-style ambries were constructed to house
the holy oils and the Book of the Gospels, Book of the Elect,
and the Book of the Remembrance; a new altar made of granite
and wood was purchased; stained glass windows were cleaned,
repaired and reconstructed; the cathedra, bishop’s chair
was newly restored. In addition, three new organs were purchased.
In April 2006, Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley
commissioned the refurbishing of the Cathedral bells. The bells
were originally installed in 1909. On April 10, 1909, The
Grand Rapids Herald declared the bells the finest in the
state. These bells, ranging in weight from 250 pounds to 3,050
pounds, were manufactured by the McShane Bell Foundry
in Baltimore. As was custom, each bell was named:
• Bell No. 1 – St Cecilia (paid for by the Altar
Society at a cost of $1,225)
• Bell No. 2 – St. Patrick (paid for by the Holy
Name Society a cost of $850)
• Bell No. 3 – Holy Guardian Angels (paid for by
school children at a cost of $610)
• Bell No. 4 – St. Ann (paid for by Mrs. Ann McIntyre
at a cost of $500)
• Bell No. 5 – St. Joseph (paid for by Mrs. Archibald
McDonnell at a cost of $375)
• Bell No. 6 – St. Richard (paid for by Mr. and
Mrs. Richard Kibble at a cost of $800)
• Bell No. 7 – Immaculate Conception (paid for by
the Young Ladies Sodality at a cost of $250)
• Bell No. 8 – St. John (paid for by Mrs. Catherine
Byrne at a cost of $225)
• Bell No. 9 – St. Mary Leonessa (paid for the Wernette
and Neuman families at a cost of $200)
• Bell No. 10 – St. Anthony (paid for by Friends
of St. Anthony at a cost of $175)
Today, these bells refurbished are estimated at $300,000. The
last time they rang out was in the early 1990’s. The bells were refurbished and reinstalled in fall
2006 with the estimated value of $300,000.
