In 2006, St. Mary’s became one of the first Fort Worth congregations to work with Partners for Sacred Places' Texas Office. Father David Bristow, accompanied by a small team of congregants, enthusiastically participated in our New Dollars, New Partners training program. This struggling congregation was determined to grow it's membership, continue community outreach programs, and raise the funds needed to provide the care that this beautiful structure so desperately needed and deserved. They were a congregation determined to survive!
Today, St. Mary’s membership has grown beyond 2,500 families – community outreach programs are strong, and it is clear that this historic structure is well loved and cared for. Under the leadership of Father Bristow, the original hardwood floors have been refinished, a new heating and air conditioning system installed, there is a new sound system, and, at long last, the majestic stained glass windows have been completely restored to their original beauty. Partners awarded St. Mary two grants for the window restoration project, a seed grant of $5,000 to obtain a professional assessment of their windows and a $10,000 capital grant to be applied directly toward the cost of restoration services, which were provided by Franz Mayer Studios in Munich, Germany. The windows made their long journey home last month and have once again taken their rightful place in a prominent treasured landmark on the near south side of Fort Worth.