Something old, something new at Seven Dolors church

Seven Dolors church in Fort Totten is going through a much-needed renovation, showing some beautiful results. The $1 million project includes several upgrades to the church and rectory, including a new roof, new plastering and painting inside the sanctuary, and repairs of cracks and fallen plaster from the walls and ceilings. Also, an underground tunnel from the rectory to the church has been filled in as it was deemed a safety hazard.

Installation of the new roof began in August. The new roof is metal, replacing the worn-out and weather-beaten shingles that had been on the roof for decades and caused the leaking that damaged ceilings and walls. Seven Dolors also received a gift from the now-closed St. Bernard’s church in Oriska. St. Bernard’s parishioners donated the beautiful pews, side altars and main altar that were used in the church from the early 1900s until this summer. They were installed in the Seven Dolors sanctuary in July. The $1 million project is being funded through donations.