JONESBORO — Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Walnut Ridge recently underwent a makeover on its historic windows.
Pastor Father Mike Sinkler said the windows were originally in the old church, which was located in the adjoining town of Hoxie in 1950.
In 1953, the stained-glass windows were brought over to the present building and have been there since.
However, time has taken its toll on all 12 windows, which stand at least 6 feet tall. They began to show signs of wear and tear. Edges of the window frames and the paint began to peel off. Wood at the base of the windows was also coming off from exposure to the elements.
“People have talked to me about this for about four and a half years,” Father Sinkler said, noting it is one of the main projects they undertook.
Parishioner Jon Kopp, 30, of Walnut Ridge, stressed that the windows were in dire need of fixing.
“The outside film, the weather protectant needed to be changed,” Kopp said. “One window had to be completely broken down and redone.”
“They were in very bad shape,” Father Sinkler added.
The recent cold snap affecting Arkansas was among the other reasons for the work on the windows. In December some of the diocese’s churches even had to suspend Mass because of the inclement weather.
Kopp said the windows were taken down for about a week and finished Jan. 14 by a contractor.
The cost for the project was approximately $26,600. The funds were raised by the parish through donations. There are 40 registered families at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The parish averages attendance of about 75 a week, most of whom come from nearby areas.
Father Sinkler indicated the historic significance of the windows plays a huge factor in getting them redone and most especially with care.
He also understands from the older parishioners that the windows were handmade.
“They say (the windows) were actually German handmade and brought over from Germany. They say (the windows) are close to 100 years old,” he said.
Parishioners are enjoying the overall appearance of the church even more now that the work is complete. The intricate hues of the stained glass shine throughout the building.
“We’re absolutely ecstatic to preserve the history of the church for generations to come,” Father Sinkler said, adding people even adopted certain windows.
