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Albany's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, after a year of interior work, received honors May 11 from the Historic Albany Foundation for its "paint and plaster" restoration.

The $6 million restoration project involved scraping away a century's worth of paint to investigate and recreate the hues of the walls and ceiling in the 1890s.

"The Cathedral is first and foremost a spiritual landmark for Catholics," said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. "But we recognize it is also a historical and architectural treasure for our entire community."

The cathedral, the oldest in the state, will reopen May 29 for the ordination of four deacons.

The cathedral previously received the Historic Albany Foundation's top honor for preservation work on the exterior.

"The Cathedral is an absolute treasure, not just for Albany, but for the entire state," said Susan Holland, executive director of the foundation.

Assemblyman Jack McEneny, also a local historian, called the work "a centerpiece of historic restoration in Albany - and the results are spectacular."

Contributions are paying for the work; about $3 million in donations have already been received.

Other renovations include refurbished pews; improved lighting, wiring, sound system and insulation; and better accessibility for persons with disabilities. The oldest neo-gothic cathedral in America, the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For previous coverage of the restoration, see www.evangelist.org. For additional photos of the restoration, go to www. restorethecathedral.org.

(05/13/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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