Remodeled Gate of Heaven a stop on Christmas House Tour

The newly remodeled Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston is a stop on this year’s Catholic Charities Laboure Center Christmas House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday December, 3.

Established in 1863, the Gate of Heaven Parish is one of the oldest parishes in the archdiocese. With dimensions of 106 feet by 184 feet, with a roof reaching heights of over 100 feet, the Church is constructed in the Gothic Cathedral style of architecture using buff Roman brick with brownstone trimmings. In 2005, a $5.1 million restoration project of the Church began, restoring many elements of the Church including complete masonry repair on the outside, repair and restoration of all stained glass windows, refurbishing and repair to the copper steeple, and painting of the Church’s interior to its original 1910 colors.

The Church, along with six historic homes in South Boston, will be featured during the Laboure Center’s 16th Annual Christmas House Tour. Homes will showcase city living at its best including custom kitchens, restored woodwork, and city vistas. Trolley transportation will be available to take tour-goers from house to house. Saturday’s twilight tour begins at 4 p.m. and concludes with a cocktail reception at the Winter Garden located in the World Trade Center East. Tickets for Saturday’s tour are $75. Sunday’s daylight tour runs from noon-4 p.m. and begins at the Laboure Center at 275 West Broadway and Castle Island. Tickets for Sunday’s tour are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Laboure Center at 617-268-9670 or visit www.ccab.org/laboure. Proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Catholic Charities Laboure Center.