Photo Courtesy of St. Joseph Catholic ChurchThe church historian has collected old photos from St. Joseph Catholic Church from the turn of the century, according to local architect and parishoner J. David Bryant.

Since the 1880s, St. Joseph Catholic Church, as it looks today, has stood as a fine example of gothic architecture on Church Avenue in Bowling Green.

The cathedral-like structure has survived a time when the neighborhood around it fell from prominence into disrepair in spots.

It has survived the coming and going of priests and the fact that it was no longer the only Catholic church in town after Holy Spirit Catholic Church was built in the 1970s.

But the old church with the fresco artwork that was added in 1903 is in dire need of repairs.

That’s why church members decided to embark on a restoration project that began in September.

&#8220We had a leaking roof and peeling plaster,” said Russell Below, a parishioner who is on St. Joe’s History, Art and Architecture Board.

&#8220It was obvious” that repairs were needed, said Cissy Clark, a fourth-generation St. Joseph parishioner who is also a member of the board.

The restoration isn’t going to be cheap.

The Diocese of Owensboro has loaned nearly $1.3 million to St. Joseph for the restoration, on the understanding that pledges from church members will pay back the loan.

The money is being used for essentials – to bring the roof, floors, electric and heating and air conditioning systems up to the highest standards. New gas lines have already been installed. A three-year time period for completion is what is hoped for.

But that’s not all parishioners want.

Someday, they hope to secure enough funds to restore the cosmetic beauty of the church that grew out of an 1860 building and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

&#8220Is a house ever finished?” asked Rita Vaughan, a member of the History, Art and Architecture Board. &#8220As we go along and get more money, we’ll make it (more) beautiful all the time.”

J. David Bryant, a parishioner and the head architect in the restoration, said St. Joseph is &#8220a rare example of gothic architecture. I don’t know that you could see an example of this in a 200-mile radius.”

He loves that the arches inside the brick building, which is far more ornate inside than outside, beckon the eyes to the ceiling.

&#8220The type of design in the sanctuary is something we don’t see very much of today,” he said. &#8220Churches today seem to concentrate more on community and inclusiveness, and that’s great. Any way you can bring people to Christ is important. But the design of this, which is a traditional Basilican layout, has the emphasis on communion as Christ led us to follow. In particular, the gothic style with all the arches is to bring the eyes upward,” as if you were keeping your eyes on Christ.

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– For more information about the restoration of St. Joseph or to donate to the restoration fund, call the church at 842-2525, or write to St. Joseph Church, 434 Church Ave., Bowling Green KY 42101. All contributions are tax deductible.