Church Renovations
As members of the Our Lady of the Hills community, we embark on the ongoing task of renovating and preserving our beautiful Church building. Having been given the gift of faith through the celebration of the sacraments, we seek to live our Catholic faith and bring our gifts and talents to the Church. In this way our ancient Catholic faith may be preserved, and our building may serve our needs as we offer God fitting worship through the Sacred Liturgy.
We acknowledge that what we have, we hold for a short period of time. We inherited something beautiful due to sacrifices of parishioners and of their forefathers, and hope to pass on something beautiful to those who come after us. We are committed to a Church building renovation and preservation project using the feedback and participation of our faithful, and techniques and materials that are consistent with the architecture of the Church and long lasting into the future.
With the help of God, we hope to renovate, preserve and conserve its elements of beauty so that its original design and architecture may be known to us and future generations. We desire this for our Church so that we will have a beautiful building that we will be proud to show our relatives and friends who come to town, and continue to have a place where people will come from our congregation and greater community to pray and experience the beauty of God.
Calling upon the grace of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the intercession of our Blessed Mother, we humbly undertake this project with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As of June 28, 2026
- The seating configuration has been redesigned to increase the church's capacity from the current 370 seats to approximately 470 seats.
- The existing stained glass windows will remain in their current locations. They will be professionally treated and the surrounding woodwork will be restored.
- A Banner Committee has been formed to develop a plan for preserving the parish banners for many years to come.
- The existing crucifix will remain and will be elevated within the sanctuary.
- The pews will be fitted with cushions to enhance comfort.
- The restrooms will be renovated and made fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- The choir area will remain in its current location.
- The Tabernacle will be relocated into the sanctuary, where it will serve as the central focal point.
- The church lighting will be upgraded to improve illumination while increasing energy efficiency.
- The renovation is intended to preserve the identity and character of Our Lady of the Hills. The church will continue to look and feel like Our Lady of the Hills rather than a cathedral or shrine.
- The estimated cost of the renovation project is approximately $2 million. The parish currently has $1 million available toward the project.
- Construction is expected to take approximately six to seven months.
- Existing statues will be evaluated based on their condition and will be retained and placed along the front walls of the church where appropriate.
- Additional information regarding plans to secure the remaining project funding will be presented to the parish in the coming weeks.
For a more detailed overview of the renovation plans, please refer to the presentation available on the parish YouTube channel.
History and Update on Our Lady of the Hills Building Renovation Plans
Purpose: To describe the 6 year history of Renovation plans that began in 2019 and to bring Parishioners up to date on where the Parish is now and what needs to be done to complete the building renovation.
History of Building Renovation Plans: The Diocese of Charleston, in preparation for its 200-year anniversary in 2020, embarked on an ambitious fundraising drive to all Parishes throughout our state.
The Diocesan Bicentennial Campaign began in 2019 to establish an endowment supporting Evangelization, Catholic Schools, Seminary, Continuing Education, Youth and Campus Ministry Programs, Social Outreach, and Hispanic Ministry.
The Diocese returned half of the funds raised to each Parish to meet their specific needs provided their Diocesan assessed target was reached. This effort was conducted by the Diocese. This was not an Our Lady of the Hills (OLH) Capital Campaign, although the Parish was going to benefit from the generous giving of our Parishioners.
Parishioners were asked to make up to a Five-year pledge. Families unable to commit a specific amount were asked to contribute an amount they could afford. Other families contributing to the campaign preferred to remain anonymous.
Q: What was the time frame of the Bicentennial Campaign? A: 2019-2024
Q: What was the Parish target assigned by the Diocese to OLH? A: $1,160.000 million dollars
Q: What was the amount pledged from OLH? A: $2,101,299 million dollars
Q: How much was collected in one-time giving and pledges? A: $1.394 million dollars
Q: How much came back to the Parish A: $755,500 (This figure represents $580,000 for meeting the assessment target with additional monies collected reimbursed at a 75% rate.)
Q: When were the details of the first renovation plans drawn up and presented to the Parish? A: After the pledge drive, the Parish was able to estimate how much money would be sent back to the Parish. It was decided to use these funds for renovations needed in the church. Plans were presented to the Parish. Fr. Peter Sousa CSsR was Pastor at this time. After surveying the Parish, three goals were identified: increase seating capacity; enlarge the narthex and add a covered drop-off loop in the front of the church.
Q: What happened next? A: The COVID pandemic hit in 2020, somewhat affecting the steady collection of pledges. Over time some Parishioners did not complete their pledge donations. Fr. Peter Sousa was reassigned in 2023 with the plans left for the next Pastor. Fr. Bruce Barnett arrived as our new pastor in Summer 2023. He reviewed the plans and altered them. However, due to his brief tenure as pastor, no renovations took place.
Q: In closing out the Bicentennial Campaign what analysis did the Diocese provide regarding the fulfillment rate from Our Lady of the Hills? A: Per a report generated In April 2026, the Diocese reported a 66% fulfillment rate with $572,517.00 deemed uncollectible.
Q: Were the proceeds from the Bicentennial Campaign expected to fully fund the Parish renovations? A: While the Bicentennial Campaign proceeds were anticipated to fund a portion of the renovations, additional funding would still be needed.
Q: Have any expenses been paid from the Building Fund account? A: Funds disbursed to date include the Pew Deposit, Architect Fees, and the new Sound System.
Q: Why does Our Lady of the Hills need to purchase new Pews? A: The pews in the church provided over 30 years of good service however they must now be replaced. Portions of the wood core/frame contain particle board which has deteriorated after years of moisture from maintaining the flooring. The Pews are becoming unstable even after being strapped down. The new pews will be configured to the new plan layout.
Q: Where are we now?
As we humbly undertake this project, let us keep going wholeheartedly together. Let us encourage each other. Let us pray for each other. Let us turn to our Blessed Mother for her undeniable protection. God’s people will experience God’s abundant care and faithfulness when we walk in prayerful obedience and faith. To Jesus through Mary, may He continue to protect and richly bless all of you and your families!