Bringing beauty back to a Catholic church

Burlington, Kansas

Ecclesiastical Studios & Sons – “Our artisans used traditional techniques and high-quality materials.”

The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church was founded in 1871 by 10 families who built a 35 x 40 foot place of worship. As more parishioners joined, a bigger church was needed, so a new cornerstone was laid on August 22, 1901.

In the 21st century, the church has continued to grow. Last year, it was time to restore the church from top to bottom. Ecclesiastical Studios & Sons got the call.

The small but mighty team of three started with a comprehensive evaluation of the church’s unique architectural and artistic marvels.

From there they developed a detailed concept “ensuring every aspect of the restoration would honor the church’s historical significance while breathing new life into its sacred spaces,” Vice President Alex Wendt said.

Wendt and Co. have their own scaffolding that they truck around the country to the churches where they do their work. That means they also have to stay away from home for long stretches – this time, it was 20 weeks.

Once they were on the job, the first step was thorough plaster repairs to address any cracks or damage. The church had a stunning tin ceiling that unfortunately suffered from peeling; the team restored it to shining glory.

The intricate wood working had to be performed onsite rather than back at a wood shop to ensure a perfect fit. This included the altar of sacrifice, communion rail, confessional, and more.

“Our artisans used traditional techniques and high-quality materials to ensure that the altars were both restored and preserved for future generations,” Wendt said.

Stenciling and gold gilding added additional opulence to the church’s interior. Airbrush was employed for the intricate and detailed designs.

As Wendt describes it, the 20-week project by him, his father Don, and craftsman Cliff Foth was something of a religious experience.

“Every crack repaired, every statue restored, and every brushstroke applied brought us closer to the vision of a beautifully restored sanctuary,” Wendt said. “It was a testament to the power of skill, dedication, and teamwork in creating something enduring and meaningful.”

Materials Used:

• Zinsser White B-I-N Shellac-based Primer
• USG Structo-Lite Basecoat Plaster
• Behr Marquee paint
• Purdy brushes and rollers
• Behr caulk
• Crescent bronze mica gold
• Paasche air brushes
• 3M tape, dust masks, respirators, and sandpaper
• Behr Poly Urethane clear coat
• Behr stain