Supporters safeguarding one of the most valuable landmarks in California are hoping for assistance from the public as they begin to make urgently needed structural changes to the church structure of St. Isidore.
Originally constructed in 1926, the former Catholic church was decommissioned long ago but is now being used for a variety of community meetings, festivals and other events.
In 2021, the St. Isidore Historical Plaza became an American landmark after it was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The priceless stained glass windows at St. Isidore Chapel have been removed and put in storage for safe keeping, the President of the Board said this week. Funds are being raised to restore the stained glass as well as to make urgently needed structural improvements to the building.
The chapel had to be rebuilt in 1933 after an earthquake caused major structural damage.
In a statement this week, Tanya Aguilar Barraza, President of the current St. Isidore Board, said a decision has been made to move forward with a plan to protect the buildings rare stained glass windows and to provide other structural improvements.
“A decision was made recently to remove and put into safe storage the stained-glass windows on the Katella Blvd side of the Chapel. Constant vibrations from traffic, along with time and weather over the years have caused what we suspect to be structural damage,” she said.
“Recently it became apparent that water was causing increased deterioration of the south side chapel wall and window frames. Arrangements have been made for inspection by structural engineers. Decisions on how to approach repairs will be made once a better understanding of the actual damage is determined,” she added.
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In addition, Barraza said that there is a need for replacement of the Chapel Roof. She said replacement quotes are being sought and evaluated. “The clay roof tiles and the age of the roof have created a challenge in finding a capable contractor. Although some repair work has been done – complete replacement is needed,” she said in the statement.
She said restoration of the valuable stained-glass windows are ongoing. Two of the windows on the north side of the chapel have already been restored, she said.
While recent donations are providing the funding necessary to fund restoration efforts to two additional stained-glass windows, she said fundraising efforts will be needed to effect restoration of two additional windows.
“The St Isidore Historical Plaza is launching a fundraising campaign in support of repairs deemed necessary for the integrity of the chapel structure, its roof, and its stained-glass windows,” she said.
“We sincerely appreciate the public’s inquiries of concern about the windows,” and Barraza said “we hope that you will support our fundraising efforts.”
“Community support is vital to our being able to save this treasured historical site. Please keep St Isidore Historical Plaza on your minds and in your hearts as we proceed into 2024 and the future,” she added.
Follow St. Isidore’s progress at https://StIsidoreHistoricalPlaza.org, on Facebook and on Instagram. You can reach us at 562 596-9918 or at info@stisidorehistoricalplaza.org.
St Isidore Historical Plaza is a recipient of both State of California and National Historic Designation (the first in Los Alamitos). It serves as a venue for various community and public events.