Roof Restoration Progress Reports

2026 “Raise the Roof” Progress Report - July 24, 2026

Over the past several months, our team has continued reviewing estimates and evaluating options to determine the most responsible scope of work for 2026. Our original plan was to use the 2025 We Give Catholic proceeds to complete the remaining areas of the sacristy roof and to undertake additional masonry repairs.

We were blessed, however, with an extraordinary response to the 2025 campaign. Thanks to your generosity, the total raised reached $127,000, far surpassing our initial goal. This outcome allowed us to broaden the possibilities for how these funds might best serve the parish. As always, we remain committed to careful stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us.

Among the work still remaining, the great half-dome above the sanctuary stands as the highest priority. Addressing this area is essential to preventing further water infiltration and long-term damage to the church. It is, however, also the most costly of the remaining projects. The official estimate currently under review totals $431,000 (final confirmation pending).

Given the scope and importance of this work, the most prudent course is to continue fundraising this year and combine last year’s #weGiveCatholic proceeds with those from the upcoming campaign and other parish fundraising efforts underway. This approach would position us to fully fund the restoration of the great half-dome and complete this critical phase of the roof project. It should be noted that this plan is subject to approval by the diocese before implementation.

Note: The areas highlighted in blue-green were addressed in 2005-26. The half-dome, to be addressed in 2027, extends to the north and includes the red-tiled portion of the roof above the sanctuary.

Thank you!

We are encouraged by the progress made so far and energized by the opportunity to reach even higher than originally planned. Thank you for your continued generosity, faith, and commitment to preserving our beloved St. James Church.

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2025 “Raise the Roof” Progress Report  

Over the past months, parishioners have seen and patiently navigated around scaffolding, machinery, fencing, clay tiles, and other construction materials around our property. Crews have been hard at work high above the ground, and some of their progress has been visible from below. With such a strong start there is much to celebrate! This update provides a brief overview of the roof restoration completed to date.

 Project Background and Funding

The work undertaken in 2025 was made possible through several sources: the sale of our former school building, generous private donations, and the 2024 #weGiveCatholic campaign. Preparations for this project began under our former Pastor, Fr Workman, as early as 2022 and included professional evaluations, estimates, bidding, architectural drawings, contractor selection, and the hiring of a professional consultant to oversee the entire process through construction.

Areas Completed in 2025 and into 2026

This diagram highlights the sections of the roof addressed within the past year:  

Work has been substantial, including the replacement of all the flat roofs on the church as well as the critical areas of tile roof with new matching tile and a high-performance underlayment.  The work for both includes all associated work such as new scupper-drain linings, valleys, proper flashings, terminations, and the replacement of damaged decking and joists where needed. These sections have now been fully completed and are expected to remain dry going forward.

Masonry and Tile Restoration

Adjacent masonry repairs were another important component of the project. Large coping stones were cleaned, reset where needed, and properly sealed with flashing and caulking, while tuckpointing to select areas of stone joints was performed to limit water penetration.

Both the original terra cotta roof tiles and the new replacement tiles were crafted by Ludowici Tile Works of Lexington, Ohio. In keeping with the original, historically inspired architectural design, a custom blend of new clay roof tiles was selected to match the original blend. Removing the old, damaged tiles and installing the new ones has been a major effort and a significant step toward preserving the historic beauty of our church.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will interior restoration begin?

Interior work can only begin once affected roof areas are fully completed and thoroughly dry. This process takes time, and limited funds naturally influence the pace of progress. We remain committed to using your generous gifts wisely. With your continued support, we will get there. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

What is the plan for continuing the work this year?

Your generosity in the 2025 #weGiveCatholic campaign and other donations have made it possible to continue the roof restoration in 2026. Our team is currently reviewing estimates and evaluating options to determine the scope of this year’s work. More details will be shared in the next progress report.

Our Heritage to Protect

Our work is centered on preserving the sacred space where we worship, celebrate the sacraments, and gather as a community— and from here, spread the Good News to others. In 2010, the City of Lakewood designated St. James as historically significant, protecting both its exterior and interior. This landmark status not only proclaims the church’s architectural beauty, but also calls us to honor what has been entrusted to us. 

Thank you!

We are deeply grateful for your extraordinary generosity in past #weGiveCatholic campaigns and for the many significant donations that have allowed this essential work to move forward. By partnering with us you are helping safeguard the integrity of St. James Church for generations to come. Thank you!