The Historic Preservation Committee Announces

The Save the Window Committee

In 1894, Myles P. O'Connor presented this large, colorful, stained glass window to the Sisters of Mercy, to be placed in the newly completed St. Joseph's Chapel. Judge O'Connor was the father of Bridget Frances O'Connor, who had entered the Sisters of Mercy community in 1891 as Sister Mary Genevieve.

St. Joseph's Chapel was built on the site of the Henry Scadden cottage, which has served as a residence for priests, then as home for small orphan boys, and finally as the Sister's Chapel. The Chapel took form May of 1894 until December 1894 to build. It was truly and incredible feat considering its size; 90 feet long, by 40 feet wide and 36 feet high, with its beautiful pressed tin interior.

The HPC Board of Directors was considering what to do about the window after receiving information that the window was in danger of collapse. In 2004 the HPC launched a Save the Window fundraising campaign. Over the next two years $4,000 dollars was raised. After examining an alternative course of action for preserving the window, in October 2006, supporters of the Cultural Center made it clear to the HPC Board that the window was the heart and soul of this historic building.Therefore, it was absolutely vital that it remain in place.

To this end an adjunct Save the Window Committee was formed under the leadership of Mrs. David Hosbein for the purpose taking over all fund raising activities needed for restoration work.

The Save the Window Committee's long range plan is to raise $80,000.00 in eight years, raising $10,000 a year, to have the window restored. J. V. Erickson of Berkeley and Ken Matthias of Alameda inspected the window in 2007. They determined the window was stable for five, ten, or possibly more years. The suggested exterior glazing should be added for protection from wind and weather.

In the Spring of 2008 an acrylic glass covering was installed over the exterior of the window.

Thank you for joining us in preserving this unique, historic and glorious Stained Glass Window.

Please consider making a contribution to the Save the Window Fund. and Remember all donations are 100% tax deductible. This far $28,000.00 has been raised. Thank you for your support.

WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Make a tax deductible financial contribution to the Save the Window Campaign.

Write a letter supporting the Cultural Center as important to the local community and the Historic Landmark as preserving local history. Include words of support for grants.

Attend the fund raising events for the Save the Window campaign.

Consider becoming a  supporter of the Cultural Center