Historic Hoboken church damaged during severe storms
A portion of a distinctive stained-glass window was blown out at Our Lady of Grace Church, sending shattered glass onto the sidewalk below.
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One of Hoboken's most recognizable churches is facing repairs after severe storms tore through the area Friday night.
A portion of a distinctive stained-glass window was blown out at Our Lady of Grace Church, sending shattered glass onto the sidewalk below.
"I was out of town, but some neighbors across the street happened to be looking out the window," said Father Alexander Santora. "it was all broken glass."
The church, which has stood in Hoboken for more than a century, sustained damage to the protective exterior glass that covers one of its iconic stained-glass windows. A large crack remains in the window itself as of Sunday night.
The storm caused damage throughout the neighborhood, according to Santora. He said repairs to the historic window could be costly.
"Not only do we have to get the material, but the height, getting a bucket or something where they're going to have to replace it," he said.
The damaged section includes shamrock-shaped designs that hold special significance for the parish.
Santora explained that the church's roots are tied to Hoboken's growing Irish immigrant community.
“The first church was on the corner where the school is,” he said. “Right away, the Irish immigration swelled that they couldn't accommodate all the Catholics. So, they had to build this church.”
Today, Our Lady of Grace serves what Santora said is the largest congregation in Hoboken.
“We're glad that no one was hurt and it's a modest damage, and we'll take care of that,” he said.
Despite the damage, Mass services will continue while repairs are completed.
