Time, Labor, and Donations Needed for Historic Restoration Project

Established in 1973 by Elaine Frey and incorporated as a nonprofit organization the following year, the Holmdel Historical Society (HHS) is made up of volunteer members who share an interest in preserving the proud history of Holmdel Township, NJ. Members research, collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit historic items and memorabilia about the people, places, and events of Holmdel, including artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, and more, and offer these resources for the public to learn and appreciate.

As a private, nonprofit, non-political, and all-volunteer organization, the society relies upon financial support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governmental agencies to continue its mission. They also welcome any historical items related to the township, such as old photos, letters, notes, school yearbooks, collectibles, or other items. And of course, the society is always seeking new volunteers who share their passion. Membership dues are $25 per year for those who would like to join.

Currently, the Holmdel Historical Society is working to revive interest in the restoration of the old St. Catharine’s Church, built in 1879 and located on Stillwell Road, which the Diocese of Trenton sold to the society in 1974, when the new St. Catharine’s Church was built. Since that time, there have been no improvements done to the old facility, which is used for storage but continues to deteriorate. Help is needed for the first step of this ambitious project: building a new foundation so that they can restore the structure from the ground up.

Once the church is restored, the Holmdel Historical Society’s hope is to have it open to the public as a museum – the first and only of its kind in the community – to display their growing collection of historic Holmdel items. To help with ongoing maintenance costs, they would also like to use it as a rental space for fundraisers, arts and craft shows, and small weddings, as well as a venue for the society to hold its regular meetings.

According to the Holmdel Historical Society website, the church measures approximately 25’ x 56’ and the front vestibule is 5’ x 8’. There is a narrow crawl space below the main room and the southwest section is showing signs of settling. From floor to ceiling, the building is leaning to one side by about 12” to 15” inches. There is extensive water and insect damage to the sill plate and in rim joists, but the floor seems to be alright. Connected by three ceiling tie rods, one long side wall is bowing out and the other is baying in.

Someone with knowledge of securing grant monies and willing to volunteer their time would be of great help to the society’s plan, which may sound daunting but would be well worth the time, effort, and expense required should their dream come to fruition.

Restoration of the stained glass windows will cost about $10,000 per window and there are 13 windows that can be memorialized. The antique wood altar, altar rail, and several pews are available to refinish, and replacing the slate roof will cost over $100,000. There is no septic, no plumbing, no heating, no electric, no bathroom, no kitchen, no handicapped access and no insulation. The society is looking for local contractors who would be willing to donate their time and skills to build a foundation. They need carpenters, masons, construction workers, painters, and landscapers. The church building needs bricks, cinder blocks, cement, wood, anchor bolts, tie rods, and more.

The Holmdel Historical Society notes that the original St. Catharine’s Church was built and maintained for 100 years by donations from the community, and they are hoping that the community will lend support once again to help bring this vital and lovely part of Holmdel history back to life. Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to Holmdel Historical Society, P.O. Box 282, Holmdel, NJ 07733.

If you have questions, would like to volunteer, or can offer other services, contact 732-768-7583 or holmdelhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. You may also visit their website at www.holmdelhistoricalsociety.org. The next meeting of the Holmdel Historical Society is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Dr. Cooke’s Medical Office on McCampbell Road in Holmdel, in front of Village School.