Historic Restoration

Update on Phase II Restoration Progress (April 29, 2012)

Background

St. Peter the Apostle Church, Convent and Rectory were listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places in 2004.

In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the church building, the parish undertook the "Upon This Rock" capital campaign, raising $1 million towards restoration efforts expected to take place in three phases over a span of fifteen years.

These funds, combined with a $500,000 matching grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust, supported the Phase I restoration work in 2006-2007, which included new roofs and drainage systems for the church and convent buildings, as well as addressing some other critical exterior repairs on the church building.

In 2009, the convent building received a complete, multi-million dollar interior renovation from the Diocese of Metuchen for use as a center of Catholic campus ministry for students at Rutgers University. The Diocese has assumed full responsibility for the building, now known as the Catholic Center at Rutgers, including its historic preservation.

Current Restoration Activity

Beginning in October 2011, St. Peter's moved ahead with Phase II work on the church and rectory buildings, using funds from the sale of other property and a $750,000 matching grant from the Historic Trust. Phase II includes completing the repair and restoration of exterior stone on the church building, with special attention given to the bell tower. In addition, the rectory will receive a new roof and drainage system, and the front facade of the building will be restored, including the original cedar clapboard siding. Phase II is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2012. UPDATE

Support our Historic Restoration Efforts

We have been greatly blessed in our efforts to restore and renovate our historic buildings by a combination of generous contributions from the St. Peter's community, the support of the New Jersey Historic Trust, the involvement of the Diocese of Metuchen, and well as funds from the sale of other property.

We know that completing the work we have begun, for the glory of God and the benefit of the community, will require creativity and sacrifice. We are very grateful for the generosity of so many members of the St. Peter's community who have supported these efforts. If you are interested in contributing to the historic restoration of St. Peter's, please contact Mary Fiorino in the Parish Office at 732-545-6820.