PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — St. Patrick’s Anglican Church on Market Street is working toward restoring a treasured stained glass window destroyed during a severe storm that swept through the area on April 29.
The historic church, constructed in 1894, sustained significant damage during the storm, including the destruction of its Nativity window, which was blown inward by powerful winds. No injuries were reported.
“We are thankful that no one was injured and for the quick response of friends, neighbors, and the Parkersburg Police Department to help secure the property,” said Father Gregory Myers.
Crews from Bailey General Contracting Inc. of Parkersburg arrived the next day to board up the damaged area and provide temporary protection.
Church officials are now assessing options for restoring or replacing the stained glass. A number of stained glass artisans are expected to examine the site in the coming days to determine what, if anything, can be salvaged.
“We are not sure what kind of window we will be able to replace the old one with yet,” Myers noted. “We have folks sorting the stained glass to see what is salvageable.”
Donations are being accepted to support the window restoration as well as ongoing roof repairs. According to church leaders, recent storms have exacerbated existing roof damage, blowing off additional shingles after multiple previous repair attempts.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help raise funds for the restoration project.
In the interim, Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. will be held in the church’s back chapel while cleanup and repairs continue.
Despite the loss of the Nativity window, the church remains focused on its spiritual mission. “Although the Nativity window is sadly gone, we always have Emmanuel — God is with us,” Myers said, referencing scripture read during Morning Prayer following the storm.
