Although hurricane damage to the church had been
confined mostly to the roof area, much of the church's
interior, dedicated in 1977, prompted an ongoing $3.5
million capital improvement plan to refurbish the
structure, and addition of other features.
Much of the 30-year-old church's interior was worn
and in need of improvements, according to Renee Lemoine,
secretary for Msgr. Rareshide.
An early childhood development center for 4-year
olds, the first of four planned improvements, has been
completed and dedicated.
The church's interior, second phase of the program,
was started last May, after a six-week delay when
termite damage was discovered and treated. Renovations
to the church include new tile floors throughout, new
solid oak pews, new lighting, upgraded sound system,
projectors, custom-made entry doors and a totally new
air conditioning system.
The third phase, a youth center also started at the
end of May, is anticipated to be completed by
mid-February.
The fourth and final stage, an early childhood
development center for 3-year olds, still is in the
planning stage.
Lead professionals on the project are the firm of
Fontleroy and Latham; Kieran Weldon, church project
architect; and, Miramon Construction, contractor.
"The whole church is so much brighter, and people are
thrilled with it," Msgr. Rareshide said.
. . . . . . .
Masses at St. Margaret Mary include the 5 p.m.
Saturday vigil mass and regularly scheduled Sunday
masses at 8:30 a.m., 10:15, noon and 6 p.m.
Published on NOLA.com Wednesday, January 28, 2009
12:57 p.m.
Published in The Times-Picayune Thursday, January 29,
2009
