PHOTOS: Progress on the new Catholic Charities building in Jefferson City

This collection of photos taken on Sept. 2, 2021, shows progress on the conversion of the former Shikles Center (previously La Salette Seminary Chapel and gym) to serve as Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri’s new headquarters and center for charitable outreach in Jefferson City.

The first photos show details and the installation two new back-lit stained glass windows designed and created by Jim Wisch, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City. Assisting him is Doug Shrader, project superintendent for the Catholic Charities building. The windows adorn the new center’s chapel, which is situated in what was previously the sanctuary of the La Salette chapel.

Also shown in the chapel are a vintage stained-glass image of Jesus and His Sacred Heart, the building’s original cornerstone, and a cross fashioned by Mr. Shrader from weathered cedar salvaged from the building’s former façade.

Meanwhile, installation of the outdoor array of solar panels by Energy Link, of Columbia, continued on a what will be the site of the building’s parking lot. The solar array and a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system will make the building one of the first near-carbon-neutral buildings in Central Missouri.

Also shown is a restored image of the Blessed Mother on the front of the building. The nearly life-size statue previously adorned the chapel of the old St. Mary Hospital in Jefferson City, which closed when the new hospital was opened in 2014. (83 photos)