St. Leonard’s Church Embarks on Major Renovation

In a letter to parishioners, Fr. Antonio Nardoianni, announced the most extensive, and expensive, renovation of the Saint Leonard’s Church since it was built in the late 1800′s. The preliminary estimate for repairs is “in the order of seven figures,” according to the parish.

“The restoration is made urgent by the continuous deterioration of the building, said Fr. Antonio.  “The roof, storm windows and frames, the repointing of the bricks on the outside, the electric system, heat, PA system, the stucco, the upper stained glass windows, painting, floor and pews inside; the refurbishing of the two sacristies, etc., are all among the major expenses of this complex project.”

The church has started a campaign to raise funds, called “A Special Appeal.”

Centrally located at the corner of Hanover and Prince Streets, St. Leonard Church was the first Roman Catholic church built by Italian immigrants in America.