featuresJune 12, 2016
St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri opened its doors for the first parish mass since renovations started in Nov. 2015 on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink trims the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink trims the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The pipe organ inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold is seen partially covered with plastic in March 2016. The organ, which was installed inside the church in 1904, is one of the oldest pipe organs west of the Mississippi River.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The pipe organ inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold is seen partially covered with plastic in March 2016. The organ, which was installed inside the church in 1904, is one of the oldest pipe organs west of the Mississippi River.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Daniel Seiler, music director at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, plays the organ during a wedding on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Daniel Seiler, music director at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, plays the organ during a wedding on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A parishioner is silhouetted by the stained glass at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A parishioner is silhouetted by the stained glass at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The pipe organ inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold is seen partially covered with plastic in March 2016. The organ, which was installed inside the church in 1904, is one of the oldest pipe organs west of the Mississippi River.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The pipe organ inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold is seen partially covered with plastic in March 2016. The organ, which was installed inside the church in 1904, is one of the oldest pipe organs west of the Mississippi River.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Brad Earnhardt makes a trip down the stairs from the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Brad Earnhardt makes a trip down the stairs from the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West stretches out the stencil he made as Roy Diamond taps it with chalk to create the outline on the ceiling above the altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West stretches out the stencil he made as Roy Diamond taps it with chalk to create the outline on the ceiling above the altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson stands in the sanctuary of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson stands in the sanctuary of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Stenciling is added to the ceiling above the altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri in March 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Stenciling is added to the ceiling above the altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri in March 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Roy Diamond holds a stencil to the ceiling above the altar as Gary West taps chalk over the outline inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Roy Diamond holds a stencil to the ceiling above the altar as Gary West taps chalk over the outline inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson heads down the choir loft stairs past Brad Earnhardt inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson heads down the choir loft stairs past Brad Earnhardt inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink looks over one of the altars he and his wife, Geri, are rehabbing inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink looks over one of the altars he and his wife, Geri, are rehabbing inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West heads up to the top of the ceiling in a cherry picker to work on the gold stenciling above the altar area of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West heads up to the top of the ceiling in a cherry picker to work on the gold stenciling above the altar area of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Tammy Arnzen and her father, Kenny Thele, stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of their church on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Tammy Arnzen and her father, Kenny Thele, stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of their church on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of the restoration on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of the restoration on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Geri Elfrink sands the front of an altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Geri Elfrink sands the front of an altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick and Geri Elfrink move an altar to rehab it inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick and Geri Elfrink move an altar to rehab it inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

An usher makes his way down the aisle of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri during the collection at the first mass inside the newly remodeled church on May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com An usher makes his way down the aisle of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri during the collection at the first mass inside the newly remodeled church on May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A young parishioner looks up from his father's shoulder during the first mass at the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A young parishioner looks up from his father's shoulder during the first mass at the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners turn to each other in a sign of peace during the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners turn to each other in a sign of peace during the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The Rev. David Coon raises the chalice after communion during the first parish mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Rev. David Coon raises the chalice after communion during the first parish mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners take their seats inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri for the 10 a.m. mass on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners take their seats inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri for the 10 a.m. mass on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Brad Earnhardt, left, and Kyle Thompson chat on the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Brad Earnhardt, left, and Kyle Thompson chat on the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out their newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between masses on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out their newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between masses on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Daniel Seiler, music director at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, plays the organ during the first wedding inside the newly remodeled church on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Daniel Seiler, music director at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, plays the organ during the first wedding inside the newly remodeled church on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West taps chalk over the stencil he created for the ceiling above the tabernacle at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West taps chalk over the stencil he created for the ceiling above the tabernacle at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond adjust scaffolding in the altar area of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond adjust scaffolding in the altar area of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out the progress to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out the progress to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West, left, and Kyle Thompson work on the ceiling above the tabernacle of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West, left, and Kyle Thompson work on the ceiling above the tabernacle of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West paints gold over the stenciling on the ceiling above the tabernacle area of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West paints gold over the stenciling on the ceiling above the tabernacle area of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Painters with Slinkard Painting clean up their area for the day inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Painters with Slinkard Painting clean up their area for the day inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary Westand Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar area in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary Westand Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar area in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Tammy Arnzen and her father, Kenny Thele, stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of their church on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Tammy Arnzen and her father, Kenny Thele, stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of their church on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The colors from the west-facing stained glass windows stretch across the floor inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The colors from the west-facing stained glass windows stretch across the floor inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Geri Elfrink sands the front of an altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Geri Elfrink sands the front of an altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of the restoration on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners stop by St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri to check on the progress of the restoration on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Geri Elfrink sands the front of an altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Geri Elfrink sands the front of an altar at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink's tools rest atop one of the altars he and his wife, Geri, are rehabbing inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink's tools rest atop one of the altars he and his wife, Geri, are rehabbing inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West paints the gold stenciling to the ceiling above the altar area inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West paints the gold stenciling to the ceiling above the altar area inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink works on removing the nails from an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink works on removing the nails from an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink works on removing the nails from an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink works on removing the nails from an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West takes a step back to check the placement of the scaffolding at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West takes a step back to check the placement of the scaffolding at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink measures the length of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink measures the length of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Sharon Hopkins watches as Nick Elfrink measures the length of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Sharon Hopkins watches as Nick Elfrink measures the length of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink works on figuring out the repairs to the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink works on figuring out the repairs to the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink trims the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink trims the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink works on the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink works on the base of an altar inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016. Elfrink and his wife Geri repaired and painted the altars inside the church. .
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners stand as Rev. David Coon walks down the aisle during the opening procession of the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners stand as Rev. David Coon walks down the aisle during the opening procession of the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners stand during the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners stand during the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners turn to each other in a sign of peace during the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners turn to each other in a sign of peace during the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The Rev. David Coon celebrates the first parish mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Rev. David Coon celebrates the first parish mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners take in the the first parish mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners take in the the first parish mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The Rev. David Coon exits the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri after celebrating the first parish mass since the remodel on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Rev. David Coon exits the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri after celebrating the first parish mass since the remodel on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners exit the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri after the first mass back at their church on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners exit the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri after the first mass back at their church on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The Rev. David Coon greets parishioner after mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Rev. David Coon greets parishioner after mass in the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners exit the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners exit the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners exit the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners exit the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A parishioner genuflects before leaving the sanctuary after the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A parishioner genuflects before leaving the sanctuary after the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The stained glass at the front of St. John's Catholic Church glows from behind the pipe organ on Sunday, May 29, 2016, in  Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The stained glass at the front of St. John's Catholic Church glows from behind the pipe organ on Sunday, May 29, 2016, in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Daniel Seiler walks down the choir loft stairs after the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Daniel Seiler walks down the choir loft stairs after the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Gary West, left, and Roy Diamond make their way to the ceiling above the altar in a cherry picker to work on the stenciling at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners check out the renovations to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri between morning masses on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Parishioners stand as Rev. David Coon walks down the aisle during the opening procession of the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Parishioners stand as Rev. David Coon walks down the aisle during the opening procession of the first mass inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Brad Earnhardt paints the entryway to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Brad Earnhardt paints the entryway to St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The pipes from the organ glow from the stained glass window at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The pipes from the organ glow from the stained glass window at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 3, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Brad Earnhardt paints the ceiling surrounding the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Brad Earnhardt paints the ceiling surrounding the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A heart is seen carved into the railing in the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri in March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A heart is seen carved into the railing in the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri in March.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson braces himself atop the scaffolding in the choir loft as he paints the ceiling inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Brad Earnhardt paints the ceiling surrounding the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Brad Earnhardt paints the ceiling surrounding the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Brad Earnhardt paints the ceiling surrounding the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Brad Earnhardt paints the ceiling surrounding the choir loft at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kyle Thompson climbs up the scaffolding in the choir loft of St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on March 4, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Nick Elfrink looks over one of the altars he and his wife, Geri, are rehabbing inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Elfrink looks over one of the altars he and his wife, Geri, are rehabbing inside St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A gutted St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri is seen on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A gutted St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri is seen on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A gutted St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri is seen on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A gutted St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri is seen on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

A gutted St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri is seen on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A gutted St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri is seen on Feb. 11, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Daniel Seiler, music director at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, plays the organ during a wedding on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Daniel Seiler, music director at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, plays the organ during a wedding on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The first wedding inside the newly remodeled St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri, took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
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St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri opened its doors for the first parish mass since renovations started in Nov. 2015 on Sunday, May 29, 2016.

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