Fellow lovers of art!  

All of us love the fresco or mural paintings we see all over this church (IHM).  They are at risk of being painted over.

Our group has become amateur sleuths, discovering the uniqueness of the architecture and workmanship, like the mortar used over 30 years ago.  

We are historians adding to the wonderful ancestral heritage.  

With Adirondack Architectural Heritage group, AARCH, we found out why Isaac Johnson, the master builder of IHM, makes this building unique and a heavy contender to be awarded the National Register of Historic Places.  

We have found and contacted living descendents of those who donated the stained glass windows, the bell, statues, and many other wonderful pieces of art.  

We have at least temporarily salvaged the basement from further damage from standing water.  Miraculously, the other day it was nearly completely dry!

It is the goal of our group to document our findings because so many citizens here do not know the full story.

But there are more stories and history we have yet to uncover.

One, that has been on my mind is...Who painted the frescoes?

Well, follow the clues!

It started with a visit to Father Menard who told us what he knew about the painter.

It seems in the 1930's or 40's, an Italian man was in the area who emigrated from Italy heading to Canada.  He painted frescoes in many of the local churches while awaiting for his immigaration papers.  He painted our church as well.  Father Menard told us where to look for his signature.

In the meantime from a Clinton County historian, we were told the name of this artist, Angelo Matello!  Could this be our artist?

So our slething began.  Our group started looking at each painting to find a signature.  We were out of luck.  Sadly, nothing.

Then a group member said, Father Menard said to look at the foot at the right of the altar!  We did, but no signature.

Then, I commented on the face painted on the leg.  Could it be this artist's signature?  A self portrait?

We will confirm soon!  Our group of volunteers is doing a tremendous job sleuthing.  The excitement in the progress we have made is seen in their eyes.

Stay tuned for more.  See the photo attached.

Spread this petition along to help us save the building and make it historical with community usage in the future.  

The Town of Clinton, Churubusco, is in the unique position to have three groups supporting this effort.  All they have to do is obtain ownership of the property for the community to enjoy and use.

Again, we are not looking for donations at this time.