Denison to hold groundbreaking ceremony for new church

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 29, 2004

DENISON - In the late 1990s, parishioners of St. Rose of Lima knew it was decided that the parish would build a new worship facility. Since that time, countless individuals have worked to make this a reality. The parish will take a step closer to this goal on May 2 as a 4:30 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony is planned at the future church site at 1st Ave South and 10th Street.

According to Father Edward Murray, pastor at St. Rose of Lima, discussion whether to build a new church or renovate the present one began about 15 years ago.

The parish began to look at the issue more seriously about 10 years ago when Father Andrew Hoffmann was pastor. Surveys and studies were completed at that time.

Paul Assman, chair of the church building committee, said, "In 1994 we did some committee work to assess our current situation in terms of facilities in general - with a specific emphasis on the church." Over a period of a couple of years, the parish decided to build rather than renovate.

He pointed out that the major factors in coming to this conclusion were site, size and structure.

"The structure was in poor condition. The size of the existing facility was not adequate and the site of the current facility is poorly located on the lot in terms of access due to steps and ice on the north side," said Assman.

One of the major factors that stimulated the building was the shortage of priests coupled with a growth of parishioners due to an increase in the community's Hispanic population, noted Father Murray.

"Before long, we may only have two priests per county," noted Father Murray, who added that with the possibility of less Masses at the parish, they would need a larger facility.

In addition, he noted that the present facility is over 115 years old. Needed renovations would have been costly.

Pat Houston, the parish's lay director, pointed out that when they decided to build a new church, it was about the time the concept of clustering was starting to take hold in the diocese. He noted that many parishioners felt that in the future, they may need more room and the present church needed extensive repair and renovation.

Prior to Father Murray's arrival at St. Rose in 1999, the parish had already purchased property for the new church. The land is located across the street from the rectory to the west. Years ago it was the site of a public school, but in recent years the land was used as a softball field. St. Rose purchased the land from the public school system.

The fundraising mode was getting into full swing when Father Murray arrived.

"We did a major fundraising project just before the Diocesan Centennial Campaign," he explained. St. Rose's capital campaign was set up in a five-year pledge format.

The new church will cost roughly $3.2 million. The pastor pointed out that they presently have over $1.5 million, but are expected to soon surpass the $1.6 million needed to start the actual construction that is set to begin in mid-July.

Assman pointed out that people continue to make new contributions to the parish's capital campaign. As parishioners see that the new church will be a reality, he said more people are stepping up to help.

While the church will have a traditional look, the inside will be fan-shaped and will be similar to most modern-day churches.

For Houston, the reality of a new church is exciting.

"I realize that it is a very big undertaking, but I am so glad that we are doing it," he said. "We have been working hard on this for about 10 years. Talk doesn't get you anywhere, but all of sudden you can see something happen."

As progress continues, Houston said this should even build greater support of and involvement in the project by the parishioners.

Assman acknowledged that to get to this point, there has been a great effort by many people. He added that he was pleased to see the project get to the point where they can actually see some of the work begin.

"I have been involved in the project in some way, shape or form since 1994," he noted.

After the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony, site preparation will begin such as moving the ground.

The new church is expected to hold 600-plus people. The present church holds between 300 to 350 people.

The 20 to 30-minute groundbreaking ceremony will be followed by a social gathering at St. Rose Parish Center. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend and people may wish to bring a lawn chair.

"This will serve as a formal statement to the community that we are beginning the building process," he said. "We will have a blessing, an incensation and the turning of the earth."

Msgr. Roger Augustine, administrator of the diocese, will be on hand for the ceremony.

Construction of the facility is expected to take about one year.

Father Murray expressed gratitude to the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima for their support of this project. He extended special thanks to all of the volunteers who offered their time to serve on committees.