The idea of new worthy furnishings for the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph Church came to James Marshall as he and Marilyn, his wife, were participating at Sunday Mass early in 1997.  James could clearly see the veneer on the pulpit was falling off.
Father Mike was delighted with the prospect of new furnishings.  James then proceeded to design the pulpit with the approval of the Archdiocese.  James did all the work himself on the altar. He constructed an opening for the box he made to hold the relics.   The wood is “red oak” with a sienna finish.  Mr. Marshall felt it was a very small gift compared to the gifts he received from God.  James prayed while he was constructing the various pieces.  It was a very special project for him, for his soul.  He built the chairs with a special opening where he inserted a mirror.  He wanted the light of God to shine thru the chairs.  James did all the work himself on the pulpit, altar, chairs and Tabernacle wall/table.  His company, J&M Woodworking, Inc. assisted with the construction of the curio for holy oils,  the pedestals for the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and St. Martin de Porres statues. 

James did the large pedestal that holds the statue of St. Joseph that is in the Church foyer.  That statue as well as the Blessed Mother statue that is in the rectory was done by the artist, Wiktor Szostalo. 
 
James’s creativity is a beautiful lasting gift to St. Joseph Church. It was a total gift – no cost to the parish whatsoever.