From Western NY-
Shirley Leseur for more than four decades has sat in the pews at St. James Episcopal Church, often reflecting on the beauty of the stained-glass windows that tell of the story of Christ's crucifixion and his resurrection.
"It adds to the whole spiritual atmosphere," Leseur said Sunday during a stained-glass tour of five churches in Batavia.
The Episcopal Church was built in the cathedral style in 1909, with very high ceilings. Sunday's tour was a fundraiser for St. James, which is under pressure to make building repairs.
The front of the building is off limits because of the threat of falling stone from the bell tower. The church can't ring its bell right now because of the structural issues with the tower.
On a day when the community celebrated the ornate stained-glass windows, the event also highlighted the challenges of maintaining the glorious buildings from at least a century ago. Some of the churches have shrinking congregations and declining dollars for the upkeep.
St. James is debating how to proceed with a capital project that could top $1.6 million. The church hasn't settled on the extent of the work.
"We are in need," said Leseur, one of the 60 to 75 people who regularly attend the church. "It's not dire yet, but we're hoping the community will step up and help us."
More here-
http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2010/04/12/news/6656984.txt
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