Iconic angel statue returns to local church

SANDUSKY — A local iconic angel statue has returned to its proper place. On Monday, the local Knights of Columbus organization and parishioners of Holy Angels Church rededicated the church's 100 year-old guardian angel statue after a year of repairs.In 1917, Rev. Edward P. Graham commissioned the Carrara marble statue from Italy. The statue crafted for the church depicts an angel watching over a child. Contributions from the community, including nickels and dimes donated by children, helped pay for the statue. The statue's delivery to the church from Italy was delayed due to World War I.The angel didn't reach its home on the church grounds until fall of 1918. The statue has been an important symbol to Holy Angels Church and the community ever since.After 100 years, Guardian Angel statue at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sandusky gets a re-dedication ceremony on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017."This angel is one of the most photographed statues in the area," said parishioner Carlos Torres, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.However, a century of weathering left the photogenic guardian angel in desperate need of restoration. Coon Restoration & Sealants, Inc., of Louisville, Ohio, was chosen for the project after an exhaustive search. They assessed the cost of repairs at $4,500.The funds needed for the refurbishment were raised with help from parishioners of Holy Angels Church and the Knights of Columbus.Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Toledo Diocese officiated the rededication event. After the ceremony, the church held mass and a reception.Torres noted the guardian angel's return preserves a vital piece of area history. "It's a symbol to the community that we're being watched over," Torres said. "It is our hope that this guardian angel may continue to be a symbol of faith."The Most Reverend Daniel Thomas leads Mass, as members of the church join in song at Holy Angels Catholic Church on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister. People gather around the Guardian Angel statue outside Holy Angels Catholic Church for a rededication ceremony on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, in Sandusky.