Stained Glass Restoration
Last August, Hurricane Idalia ripped through Madison County. Luckily, our beautiful stained glass window above the altar was not broken. However, during other repairs it was discovered the window had buckled on the bottom. According to a national expert in stained glass window repair, the window was classified as “unstable”.
Unfortunately, this restoration, according to a preliminary on-site evaluation, could run anywhere upwards of $20,000 and the Nate Curtis Memorial fund will only give St. Mary’s a start. Therefore, St. Mary’s is turning to the community for help meeting this unexpected expense. All donations will be greatly appreciated; no contribution is too small to count.
Click "donate now" to donate using paypal or a credit card (processed through paypal). Checks or cash donations can be delivered to:
140 NE Horry Ave
Madison, FL 3230
Please make checks payable to St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Thank you.
The Nate Curtis Memorial Fund
In Memory of Nate Curtis
Nate Stephenson Curtis II loved God and his family. Born April 13, 1936 in Monticello, Florida, he graduated Jefferson County High School in 1954. From there his mother enlisted him into the US Army where he served 20 months in the Medical Corp during the occupation of Germany. While enlisted, Nate travelled extensively throughout Europe
Nate Stephenson Curtis II loved God and his family. Born April 13, 1936 in Monticello, Florida, he graduated Jefferson County High School in 1954. From there his mother enlisted him into the US Army where he served 20 months in the Medical Corp during the occupation of Germany. While enlisted, Nate travelled extensively throughout Europe. On July 4, 1964, Nate married the love of his life Betty June “BJ” Curtis. During their 56 years together, they had five children. He was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and served many terms as Senior Warden, Reader, and guided/assisted his son, Nathan, to enlarge the St. Mary’s fellowship hall for Nathan’s Eagle scout project.
Nate held multiple degrees including a BA in History and a minor in Education from St. Bernard College (Cullman, Alabama), he attended the University of the South School of Theology (Suwannee, Tennessee), a master’s degree in Social Work from Valdosta State College, and a master gardener course ( to compliment his green thumb) from the University of Florida.
Continuing Nate’s extensive and impressive resume, his first job after the army was as a sixth grade teacher in LaBelle, Florida. Nate wished to move closer to home and was hired as a seventh grade social studies teacher in MacClenny, Florida. From 1962-1967 he worked for the Florida Department of Welfare as a social worker. He also held a variety of jobs from construction worker to photo darkroom assistant. Nate was employed with the Florida Probation and Parole as three districts' supervisor (Madison, Jefferson, and Taylor Counties) for health and rehabilitative services for 30 years. Once retired from that position, he worked as a hospice care worker, administrator to Lake Park nursing home, and a counselor for Apalachee mental health.
Nate had many interests and hobbies, but he especially loved roses, stained glass, woodworking, photography, and traveling. Nate’s interest in stained glass drove him to head the efforts of the St. Mary’s congregation to obtain the stained glass on the sidewalls. Outside of the church, he created many beautiful stained glass masterpieces through the years. Although Nate has joined his heavenly Father, his love of stained glass will be honored and remembered in the restoration of St. Mary’s altar window.
July 15, 2025
St. Mary’s Thanks Supporters of Fundraiser!
In May of last year, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church began an ambitious fundraising effort. The two iconic stained-glass windows, the round Mary window and the large Jesus window were in dire need of repair. Each of them was over 80 years old and had suffered from age and serious recent weather events.
The call went out to family and friends of St. Mary’s to help with the restoration costs. It was humbling to receive large and small amounts of money from people near and far that generously supported the efforts to preserve the windows.
An international company was hired to do the restoration. On May 17, 2025, both windows were reinstalled in the church. The radiance of the reconstruction of the windows let all involved in the project know that God is pleased. All the costs of the repair were covered by donations.
Everyone is welcome to visit St. Mary’s and see the results. Thank you for the love and support you have shown with your financial support. God’s blessings be upon you all!
Sincerely,
The Reverend Joanie Cruce, Vicar
