The 138-year-old St. Catharine's Church in Holmdel has so significant structural damage that it is visibly tilting.
HOLMDEL - The Holmdel Historical Society is planning to give a deteriorating historic building a major makeover.
The group, which works to research and preserve the history of Holmdel, unanimously voted earlier this week to move forward on the full restoration of St. Catharine's Church.
St. Catharine's was the first Catholic Church in Holmdel after being founded in 1879 by Father Michael L. Glennon, an Irish immigrant, on a one-acre plot on Stillwell Road.
The church, which was donated to the historical society by the Archdiocese of Trenton in 1975, is covered by a slate roof and its pews once accommodated approximately 100 parishioners.
The building currently has significant structural damage, which is causing the church to tilt. It also has extensive water and insect damage, loose slate roofing, and windows in need of being replaced, according to a release from the historical society.
The church also has no heat, electric or running water or sewage system, and is not handicap accessible.
It previously had a wild animal infestation, but that has since been addressed, the historical society said.
The Holmdel Historical Society plans to start work on the extensive restoration project in February.
From 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Feb. 15, the group will host its first church cleanup, weather conditions permitting. Pizza will be served as volunteers work on revitalizing parts of the church.
The group is also planning to hold various fundraising events to raise money to begin correcting the church's major structural problems.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the initial church cleanup day is asked to RSVP by contacting Manieri or Treasurer Rhonda Beck by calling 732-768-7583 or 732-685-4450, or by email at holmdelhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.