Abbey Renovation Project `Uplifting`
|  Video
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| Cliff Naylor |
| 10/23/2009 |
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| An uplifting renovation project at Assumption Abbey in Richardton is the focus of this week`s trip Off the Beaten Path. The extreme makeover of the Assumption Abbey courtyard that began back in early September presented contractors with some unique challenges. "Everything in or out comes over the building," says Dustin Kolling. He says all the construction equipment and materials needed the project had to be hoisted by a 12-ton crane over the walls of this 100-year old Benedictine monastery. That included a couple of Bobcats, and tons of dirt, sand and bricks. The courtyard is completely enclosed by the quadrangle walls of the Abbey. This majestic complex was modeled after the traditional monasteries of Europe, so Monks could be separated from the hectic pace of society. "In monastic life, quiet and prayer are very important values," says Abbot Brian Wrangler. This statue of the Virgin Mary is the centerpiece of the courtyard and it will be placed on a new pedestal surrounded by brick pavers when the renovation project is finished. Wangler says when the Abbey was built in the early 1900s handicapped accessibility was not an issue, today it is, and that problem is being addressed. "Monks who had difficulty walking had trouble getting into here," says Wangler. "Whenever anything had to be carried out, it had to be carried up steps so a ramp is going to be very handy." Depending on the weather, the courtyard project should be completed before winter sets in, so that when flowers bloom next spring it will be a lot easier for the monks of the abbey and the public to appreciate the beauty of this place. The Abbey courtyard is open to both the public, and many wedding pictures are taken and family and community picnics are held in the space. |
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