Repairs are underway at Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Hoboken after a July storm blew out three protective glass panels covering historic stained glass windows, narrowly missing pedestrians below.
The July 3 storm struck the cathedral-sized church around 10 p.m., sending huge shards of glass crashing onto the lawn and sidewalk on Clinton Street.
The Rev. Alexander Santora, who has served as pastor at the church for 21 years, said scaffolding is in place and work is progressing quickly.
“Thank God no one was injured,” Santora said. “People would have been hurt badly. Three men had just passed by when it happened.”
Fr. Alex Santora stands inside Our Lady of Grace Church in Hoboken, N.J., on Monday, July 13, 2026. The historic church sustained damage to its stained glass windows in a storm on July 3.Ben Ackman | For NJ.com
The church, built in 1878, was constructed with aspirations of becoming the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Newark and remains one of the largest in the state. The parish founded in 1851 is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.
The massive structure seats 1,100 people and houses about three dozen stained glass windows of varying styles and sizes depicting biblical stories.
The historic church gained recognition as a filming location for the 1954 Oscar-winning film “On The Waterfront.”
Santora said the church has funds set aside for emergencies and won’t ask parishioners to contribute to the repairs.
Repairs are being handled by Joseph Gonda and Sky High Waterproofing Co. Inc. of Clifton. The contractor is replacing the original glass protective coverings with plexiglass, which Santora said is the preferred material today because it appears clearer than regular glass.
The damaged windows, located in the main altar area approximately 100 feet from ground to roofline, display scenes including Adam and Eve, the birth of Jesus and other biblical narratives.
Cardinal Tobin will preside at a Mass on Nov. 7 at the church, which occupies an entire city block from Willow Avenue to Clinton Street.
Our Lady of Grace Church is seen in Hoboken, N.J., on Monday, July 13, 2026. The historic church sustained damage to its stained glass windows in a storm on July 3.Ben Ackman | For NJ.com