The Legacy Project - June 2012

CELEBRATION!

The sun shone brightly , the sky a cloudless blue, one of those quintessential early summer days in Maine on June 24^th. . S. Mary's parishioners, friends and neighbors began streaming onto the campus early to celebrate the Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the Legacy Project; the excitement of anticipation was palpable as many found seats and others mingled over the ubiquitous S. Mary's "groaning table" laden with breakfast delights.

Senior Warden Hugh Smith led the festivities, honoring the members of Legacy campaign, building and finance committees who have been managing this effort over the last three years, as well as our wonderful community Legacy Project partners: Demont Associates, Scott Simons Architects, Ledgewood Construction, Attorneys from Pierce Atwood, LLP and Jensen, Baird, Gardiner and Henry, and our bankers, Norway Savings Bank. Hugh expressed the gratitude of the Vestry and his own personal pride that "our parish is filled with people who are not satisfied with the status quo and take the time time to imagine the future and plan for it—and that we work well together as a family, build consensus and focus on what matters."

Legacy Campaign Co-Chair Jennifer Gregg briefly summarized the three year experience and honored the donors. Noting that while there had been times when we all had questioned the wisdom of and our ability to proceed with this very substantial capital campaign—particularly in light of the economic recession followed by the devastating loss of Father James-- we had concluded that we should move ahead: " We prayed. And understood that, of coursewe will go on: We knew then just as we know now all about the strength of this parish. We know that we are a family--yes, a bit dysfunctional from time to time, a family that struggles on occasion, but a family that, at the end of the day, comes together, comes home and finds its strength in This Place. A family that wants to ensure that others will have This Place to come home to for years to come." With thanks to the donors who have made this project a reality, the "first proof" of the Legacy Donor Plaque was unveiled. The plaque will remain on display, for amendments and additions, in the Guild Room throughout construction.

Canon Vicki Wiederkehr brought greetings from Bishop Lane who reminded us that "a building project in the church is always a sign of vitality and hope. It takes a robust community with strong commitments...Such a community also has a vision of its future and a notion about what is needed to meet that future." Bishop Lane commended S. Mary's "vision of a facility that will both nurture and strength your members and serve the larger community," noting that "service to the community beyond the walls is a growing edge for St. Mary's and you have shown yourselves to be passionate about reaching beyond yourselves."

Our beloved S. Mary's Choir offered a beautiful and very moving rendition of Anton Bruckner's 'Locus iste' ("This Place") and Pastor Barb led us in prayer as we prepared ourselves for the truly momentous beginning of this long-awaited construction.

The fun began in earnest with Ledgewood's Pete Pelletier distribution of hardhats to clergy, parish, campaign and building committee leadership. Pastor Barb, Deacon Christine, Vicki Wiederkehr, Hugh Smith and Carrie McIntosh led the way by putting the first shovels to ground, followed by a sea of little ones--all wearing yellow Ledgewood "hardhats," then our wisest parishioners (those 80 years and older!), the choir and other parish leadership, Legacy committees and community partners.

Hugh Smith closed this wonderful event, calling on Becky Pride for final words. On behalf of the parish, Becky presented Jennifer Gregg with flowers, a shovel (the handle of which had been signed by scores of parishioners) and shared thanks for her leadership of this effort. For her part, Jennifer, taken totally unawares, was astounded and, for once, blessedly speechless!

Many thanks to all who participated, all contributing to making it so very special. Special thanks to our official photographer, Shelly Maher, who captured the entire occasion on film. In addition to the photos included in this AVE, check out the website at www.smary.org or  Saint Mary Facebook site for more photo-coverage of the day!