Construction crews have demolished the former offices of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, which were incinerated in a fire last July. The new parish offices are beginning to take shape in the old rectory building (at right). The chapel (at left) will be refurbished to its former glory, expected by next May. (Photo provided by diocese of Charlotte properties office)MONROE — When flames engulfed the parish offices adjacent to the 76-year-old chapel in the early morning hours of July 27, 2020, it was a great shock to the staff and parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
The pastor, Father Benjamin Roberts, rushed to the scene and found his office, and everything in it, completely incinerated. The chalice from his ordination and all of the cherished religious objects that once adorned his office were gone.
“Seeing the work begin is a real healing event for me, the staff and the parish,” Father Roberts said. “Losing our parish office and so much of our history in the fire was a true trauma for us.”
He is grateful that after more than 15 months, they are finally able to begin renovation and construction.
“The chapel, built in 1945, will be restored to its former beauty, and the old rectory, built in 1947, will be renovated to become the parish office,” he explained.
As part of the restoration, the historic 2,300-square-foot chapel will receive a new Agnus Dei window above the sanctuary. The original window was destroyed by the fire.
The rectory renovation will convert over 2,800 square feet into a secure lobby, five offices, two conference rooms, a workroom, kitchenette and restrooms. A new ramp will allow for wheelchair accessibility.
In addition, all windows will be replaced with insulated windows for improved energy efficiency. Electrical systems will be updated, and the old plaster will be removed from the walls and replaced with drywall.
“The diocesan Properties Office has been incredibly helpful in this process. On the day of the fire, Anthony Morlando (the director) stood next to me and prayed with me and for me as we stood in the burned-out chapel,” Father Roberts recalled.
He said Ron Lordo and Emmett Sapp in the diocesan Properties Office have been incredibly supportive and diligent in their work to help the parish begin the project.
The $1.75 million renovation project, paid for primarily with insurance claim funds, began Nov. 1 and is anticipated to be completed this spring. Southside Constructors is general contractor, and the architect is Insight Architects.
“We hope that all or most of the work will be completed by the time we celebrate our 80th anniversary in May,” Father Roberts said.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter