Home / Disasters and Accidents / Storm Shatters Stained Glass at 175-Year-Old Hoboken Church
Storm Shatters Stained Glass at 175-Year-Old Hoboken Church
5 Jul
Summary
- A July storm damaged protective glass over three stained-glass panels.
- The historic church, founded in 1851, faces over $10,000 in repair costs.
- Services continued as usual despite the significant storm damage.
A storm that swept through Hoboken on the evening of July 3 caused damage to the historic Church of Our Lady of Grace, which is currently celebrating its 175th anniversary. The severe weather shattered the protective glass covering three of the church's stained-glass panels, sending large fragments onto the ground below. Pastor Fr. Alexander Santora estimated the repairs could cost upwards of $10,000. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. The church managed to proceed with its scheduled services on Sunday, July 5. Founded in 1851, the church building was constructed in 1858 and is recognized as one of New Jersey's largest and oldest parishes. Its exterior gained fame through its appearance in the 1954 film 'On the Waterfront'. The church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Special anniversary events are planned through November 7, including a Mass with Cardinal Joseph Tobin. In 2008, the Archdiocese of Newark merged Our Lady of Grace with St. Joseph's Church, with both historic structures remaining in use.
